Addressing Health Disparities Among Vulnerable Populations

ABNF Journal, The, July-August, 2002 by Constance Smith Hendricks

I am excited to share you the ABNF Journal readers approached employed at one School of Nursing to address the Health Disparities Among Vulnerable Populations. Southern University and A& M College School of Nursing in Baton Rouge, LA has accepted the challenge to focus their scholarship and clinical efforts to ensure that the citizenry in Louisiana meet the Healthy People 2010 objectives. Additionally, this issue is dedicated to the memory of a founding member of ABNF, Dr. Lucille Davis, RN, FAAN who served as the Interim Chair of Graduate Nursing Programs and Director of the Office of Nursing Research at Southern University School of Nursing until her untimely death June 2001.

In this issue of the ABNF Journal, are just snapshots of how the School of Nursing faculty and students are making a difference in the quality of life using a variety of scholarly endeavors. It is my hope that the selection presented will provide you with beneficial information. The authors welcome your comments and inquiries.

Vulnerability has been defined by Aday (2001) as being in a state of being susceptible to harm or neglect; often the result of acts of omission or commission of others toward another. Such a state causes one to be in a position to be hurt or ignored or receive help from others. As we explore the concept of vulnerability here at Southern, we are discovering we all are vulnerable in one way or another. The challenge is to recognize one's vulnerability and then make efforts to diminish or eliminate it. Student Nurses (baccalaureate, masters and doctoral) and faculty have accepted the challenge to realize the vision of Southern University School of Nursing ... the preparation of professional nurses and the ingoing development and maintenance of an educational climate of relevancy inclusive of professional culture, research and standards of practice ... provide a program designed to uniquely and effectively contribute to the alleviation of current and future problems associated with the availability and delivery of quality nursing care.

This is still an exciting time to be a Nurse Educator! The societal challenges simply provide us the opportunity to be creative in our teaching and production of future nurse leaders. So allow your creative juices to flow forth! Move beyond your "comfort zone". Explore how you might help us-the nursing profession- especially Black nurse faculty to prepare ourselves and our students to improve the quality of life by Addressing Health Disparities Among Vulnerable Populations.

Dr. Constance Smith Hendricks is an Associate Professor and Chair of Graduate Nursing Programs (MSN & PhD) at Southern University and A & M College in Baton Rouge, LA. Dr. Hendricks is an elected member of the ABNF Board of Directors. constancehendricks@suson.subr.edu