How to Write A Nursing Essay Example
Writing a nursing essay involves a structured approach that begins with an introduction, where you present the topic and state your thesis. Following the introduction, the body paragraphs delve into key points, providing evidence and in-depth analysis of the topic. The conclusion then summarizes the main arguments, reinforces the thesis, and highlights the importance of the discussed concepts in nursing practice.
Throughout the essay, it is essential to incorporate evidence-based information, uphold ethical standards, and adhere to academic writing guidelines. Utilizing a nursing essay writing service can help you better understand structure and argumentation.
Medical essays are integral to a nursing education, fostering critical thinking, effective communication skills, and a deeper understanding of the complexities of healthcare. These essays not only contribute to academic assessments but also allow students to articulate their perspectives, share insights from clinical experiences, and engage with the ongoing discourse in nursing practice and theory.
Use the following steps:
- Start with a Compelling Introduction
- State Your Thesis
- Provide Context
- Outline the Structure
- Maintain Clarity and Conciseness
Look at the Nursing Essay Example below:
Nursing Essay Example #1
Assignment: General Anxiety Disorder
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Brief Scenario
My client is a 45-year-old white male widower and veteran who lives alone. Culturally, he is a former army ranger who lost his right lower limb in an explosion from an improvised explosive device while behind enemy lines three years ago before retiring. Due to his military background and the traumatic experiences he has endured, he belongs to a non-civilian culture with a history of near-death experiences, putting him at risk of developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Currently, however, he is receiving care for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which began two years after his wife died in a gun violence incident.
The client’s primary complaints include excessive worry and anxiety, irritability, poor concentration, insomnia, increasing muscle aches, fatigue, and restlessness, persisting for the past year and four months. He notes that seeing middle-aged or older couples walking together triggers his symptoms, and encounters with former colleagues worsen them. Given that his symptoms have lasted for more than six months, he has been diagnosed with GAD and is at risk of PTSD (Sapra et al., 2020).
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Two Different Types of Therapy
The chosen therapies for this client are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), each offering specific skills beneficial to the patient. According to Tampi et al. (2020), CBT involves a limited number of sessions where the therapist helps the patient accurately view and respond to challenging situations. In contrast, IPT is a time-limited psychotherapy approach focused on improving the patient’s interpersonal skills by helping them understand and positively address their current problems within a set timeframe.
Carpenter et al. (2018) report that CBT effectively manages various anxiety disorders, with a success rate of 88.9% for GAD and the lowest success rate of 67.8% for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Similarly, Buchholz and Abramowitz (2020) indicate that IPT has an 84% success rate in treating GAD, with the lowest success rate of 65.8% in anxiety management.
In CBT, exposure therapy is a suitable skill, as it involves gradually exposing the patient to their fears in a controlled environment, helping them adjust to the situation until they are comfortable (Carpenter et al., 2018). For IPT, mindfulness and attention regulation are ideal skills, aiding the patient in adjusting their thoughts and understanding that thoughts are not facts (Buchholz & Abramowitz, 2020). These skills from CBT and IPT will assist the patient in managing his symptoms effectively.
References for Nursing Essay Example #1
Buchholz, J. L., & Abramowitz, J. S. (2020). The therapeutic alliance in exposure therapy for anxiety-related disorders: A critical review. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 70, 102194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102194
Carpenter, J. K., Andrews, L. A., Witcraft, S. M., Powers, M. B., Smits, J. A., & Hofmann, S. G. (2018). Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and related disorders: A meta‐analysis of randomized placebo‐controlled trials. Depression and Anxiety, 35(6), 502-514. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22728
Sapra, A., Bhandari, P., Sharma, S., Chanpura, T., & Lopp, L. (2020). Using generalized anxiety disorder-2 (GAD-2) and GAD-7 in a primary care setting. Cureus, 12(5). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.8224
Tampi, R. R., Yarns, B., Zdanys, K. F., & Tampi, D. J. (Eds.). (2020). Psychotherapy in Later Life. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9781108701891
Nursing Essay Example #2
Assignment Topic: Benchmark Capstone Change Project Objectives
The capstone change project aims to increase vaccine uptake among the population accessing healthcare at a local Primary Care Clinic. While the overall goal is broad, there are specific objectives within this process. Low vaccination rates against COVID-19 can be addressed through community health education, enabling nurses and the community to become ambassadors of disease prevention. Below are the three objectives set for the capstone project, along with their rationale.
Objective 1: Improve COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake by Over 90% in Three Months Through Nursing-Based Community Health Education
Increasing COVID-19 vaccination is crucial for both individuals and the community, as it reduces the occurrence of severe cases among those who contract the virus. Sheinson et al. (2021) state that different COVID-19 vaccines have varying efficacy rates, with the lowest being 65%. This means a person vaccinated with this vaccine has a 65% reduced risk of developing COVID-19 symptoms. Additionally, vaccines bolster the immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, decreasing the likelihood of severe and potentially fatal symptoms (Sheinson et al., 2021). Thus, improving vaccine uptake will enhance personal and community safety from COVID-19.
Objective 2: Reduce Severe COVID-19 Symptoms by Over 60% in Three Months Through Nursing-Based Community Health Education
Access to vaccines grants individuals autonomy and social justice, improving their safety from vaccine-preventable diseases. Oliver et al. (2021) explain that people often hesitate to get vaccinated due to misinformation or false perceptions about the vaccines. Community education can help dispel these myths, enabling individuals to make informed decisions about vaccination. Oliver et al. (2021) emphasize that through education, the community will understand that vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe COVID-19 disease.
Objective 3: Enhance the Role of Nurses in Community Health Education to Promote Disease Prevention
The process of community education will empower nurses to incorporate community education into their professional duties. According to Dorman et al. (2021), this initiative allows nurses to fulfill their role in community and patient education, aiming to improve disease prevention. This effort also ensures that nurses use their autonomy to enhance community knowledge about vaccination, thereby promoting social justice in disease prevention (Dorman et al., 2021). This objective is crucial for increasing the social autonomy of nurses in promoting disease prevention within the community.
Conclusion
The primary aim of this project is to leverage community health education by nurses to boost COVID-19 vaccine uptake. The specific objectives include improving vaccine uptake, reducing severe COVID-19 cases, and enhancing community education as a core nursing role. These objectives provide both the target population and nurses with social justice and autonomy in disease prevention and nursing practice.
References for Nursing Essay Example #2
Dorman, C., Perera, A., Condon, C., Chau, C., Qian, J., Kalk, K., & DiazDeleon, D. (2021). Factors associated with willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in a large convenience sample. Journal of Community Health, 46(5), 1013-1019. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-021-00987-0
Oliver, S. E., Gargano, J. W., Marin, M., Wallace, M., Curran, K. G., Chamberland, M., & Dooling, K. (2021). The advisory committee on immunization practices’ interim recommendation for use of moderna COVID-19 vaccine—United States, December 2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 69(51-52), 1653.
Sheinson, D., Dang, J., Shah, A., Meng, Y., Elsea, D., & Kowal, S. (2021). A cost-effectiveness framework for COVID-19 treatments for hospitalized patients in the United States. Advances in Therapy, 38(4), 1811-1831. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-021-01654-5
Nursing Essay Example #3
Topic: I Wonder if those Who have Suffered from Sexual Abuse as a Child are at Greater Risk for Sexual Dysfunction as Adults.
Abstract
Understanding Sexual Abuse Among Children
Sexual abuse among children is a pervasive issue today. Any contact between a child and an adult (or even another child) that exploits the child for sexual stimulation of the abuser or an onlooker is considered child sexual abuse. This can involve both touching and non-touching actions. Touching activities might include contact with the vagina, oral-genital contact, sexual relations, or touching the breasts or buttocks. Non-contact acts can involve exhibitionism, voyeurism (watching a child’s naked body), or exposing the child to pornography.
This study employs a qualitative research methodology with a phenomenological design. The aim is to understand and describe a condition generally regarded as a phenomenon. The study will gather qualitative data descriptions using a phenomenological approach, which involves mediating concepts derived from interpreting occurrences, such as past experiences.
Introduction
Literature Review
Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) has various impacts on victims’ adulthood, including eating disorders, self-blame, shame, depression, and dissociation from reality. However, the connection between CSA and sexual dysfunction in adulthood remains underexplored. Gewirtz-Meydan and Opuda (2021) indicate that while depression is frequently reported among adults with a history of CSA, this does not necessarily explain their sexual functionality. Similarly, Pulverman et al. (2018) highlight that eating disorders are prevalent among CSA survivors, but it is unclear whether CSA directly causes these disorders or if they develop secondarily. Kilimnik et al. (2018) suggest that sexual dysfunction in adulthood can be attributed to health issues, environmental factors, and lifestyle, among other influences. Despite these insights, there is limited literature on how CSA specifically influences sexual dysfunction in adulthood. Thus, a better understanding of sexual dysfunction in adults with a history of CSA is crucial to elucidate the connection between CSA and adult sexual dysfunction.
Problem Statement
A significant gap in the literature is the lack of differentiation in sexual dysfunction between male and female victims of CSA (Bigras et al., 2021).
Purpose of the Research
This research aims to explore how CSA influences sexual dysfunction in adulthood. While sexual dysfunction is associated with physiological and pathological factors, there is limited evidence on how CSA victims become sexually dysfunctional as adults (Bigras et al., 2021). The study will investigate the impact of CSA on sexual dysfunction among adult male victims and will also examine the influence on adult female victims. The findings will provide a comparative understanding of how CSA influences sexual dysfunction in male and female adults with a history of CSA.
Research Questions
The research questions guiding this study are:
- How does childhood sexual abuse among male victims influence sexual dysfunction in adulthood?
- How does childhood sexual abuse among female victims influence sexual dysfunction in adulthood?
- What are the differences in factors influencing sexual dysfunction between male and female victims of childhood sexual abuse?
Importance of the Questions
These questions are essential for understanding the gender differences in how CSA affects sexual dysfunction in adulthood. The first question focuses on the influence of CSA on sexual dysfunction in males, while the second addresses the same issue in females. By comparing the results of these two questions, the study will illuminate the gender-specific factors that contribute to sexual dysfunction among adult CSA victims. Consequently, these research questions are vital for explaining the gender differences in the impact of CSA on adult sexual dysfunction.
Research Design
This study adopts a qualitative research method with a phenomenological design. Phenomenological research aims to understand and describe a universally recognized phenomenon. This approach allows researchers to explore individuals’ daily experiences without preconceived notions about the phenomenon.
The research will involve collecting qualitative data using strategies for interpreting phenomena such as people’s experiences and mediating the resulting meanings. This approach is ideal for analyzing sexual dysfunction in adults who experienced CSA. By comparing male and female histories and their effects, we can reconcile differences between their experiences.
Ensuring Data Trustworthiness
To enhance the trustworthiness of the data, the study will incorporate:
- Transferability: Ensuring the findings are applicable in other contexts.
- Confirmability: Ensuring the results are shaped by the respondents and not researcher bias.
- Credibility: Ensuring the accuracy and believability of the findings.
- Dependability: Ensuring the findings are consistent and repeatable.
Impact on Counseling
This research will enable counselors to understand how CSA influences sexual dysfunction differently in males and females. Recognizing these gender distinctions will help counselors tailor their approaches to address the specific needs of each gender. Gender can influence how individuals experience and respond to psychological issues, and this research will provide insights into these differences, enhancing counseling strategies for adult CSA survivors.
Integration
A biblical principle related to this topic is faith, as expressed in Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (King James Bible, 1769/2017). This principle of faith is significant for CSA victims as it provides hope and relief, suggesting that their future can be better than their past experiences.
Hamm and Lysaker (2018) found that faith can foster optimism and a positive outlook, making individuals more functional psychologically, physically, spiritually, and physiologically. Since sexual functionality is linked to both physiological and psychological well-being, stabilizing these aspects through faith can be beneficial. Counselors can use the principle of faith to instill hope and optimism in CSA victims, aiding their psychological and physiological recovery. Hamm and Lysaker (2018) further suggest that embracing positivity helps individuals see that healthy sexual relationships are possible even after early traumatic experiences. Thus, faith is a crucial principle that can help CSA victims overcome their past through a positive mindset.
References for Nursing Essay Example #3
Barbosa, B., & Fonseca, I. (2019). A phenomenological approach to the collaborative consumer. Journal of Consumer Marketing. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCM-11-2017-2468
Bigras, N., Vaillancourt-Morel, M. P., Nolin, M. C., & Bergeron, S. (2021). Associations between childhood sexual abuse and sexual well-being in adulthood: A systematic literature review. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 30(3), 332-352. https://doi.org/10.1080/10538712.2020.1825148
Gewirtz-Meydan, A., & Opuda, E. (2022). The impact of child sexual abuse on men’s sexual function: A systematic review. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 23(1), 265–277. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1524838020939134
Hamm, J. A., & Lysaker, P. H. (2018). Application of integrative metacognitive psychotherapy for serious mental illness. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 71(4), 122-127. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20180033
Kilimnik, C. D., Pulverman, C. S., & Meston, C. M. (2018). Methodologic considerations for the study of childhood sexual abuse in sexual health outcome research: A comprehensive review. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 6(2), 176-187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.11.006
King James Bible. (2017). King James Bible Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/ (Original work published 1769)
Pulverman, C. S., Kilimnik, C. D., & Meston, C. M. (2018). The impact of childhood sexual abuse on women’s sexual health: A comprehensive review. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 6(2), 188-200. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.12.002
Nursing Essay Example #4
Capstone Project Outcome
A clinical team’s dedication to educating the community on the importance of disease prevention through vaccination is a crucial process that can enhance vaccine acceptance. This paper outlines the expected outcomes of conducting community education on vaccination among those hesitant to vaccinate during the COVID-19 pandemic. The projected outcomes are supported by rationales explaining why these results are achievable through evidence-based educational activities aimed at informing the community about the importance of COVID-19 vaccination.
Outcome 1
Increase the rate of COVID-19 vaccine uptake by the community within the catchment area of a local Primary Clinic by more than 85% within three months of initiating the community education program.
Rationale
Educating the community on the importance of vaccination, and vaccine safety and countering misinformation or disinformation used by anti-vaccine campaigners informs and positively changes perceptions toward vaccine uptake (Karafillakis et al., 2019). Additionally, education helps alleviate fears and build confidence in hesitant community members, improving vaccine acceptance (Suryadevara et al., 2021). Thus, community education raises awareness about vaccination as a key method for preventing COVID-19 infections.
Outcome 2
Increase understanding among community members in the catchment area of the local Primary Clinic about the importance of vaccination and dispel misinformation/disinformation that led to vaccine hesitancy.
Rationale
Misinformation and disinformation spread by anti-vaccine campaigners create doubts, fear, and negative attitudes toward vaccination (Karafillakis et al., 2019). Chou and Budenz (2020) explain that education can eliminate these negative perceptions, thereby increasing willingness to vaccinate. Fakonti et al. (2022) observe that educated individuals, including employers and colleagues, can positively influence others in their circle to accept vaccination. Therefore, education helps dispel myths and promotes a more informed community perspective on vaccination.
Outcome 3
Enhance the skills of nurses and other clinical workers at the local Primary Clinic in implementing vaccination campaigns, strengthening their role in community mobilization for disease prevention through vaccination and effective resource utilization.
Rationale
A deeper understanding of vaccines among clinical staff is vital for influencing patients towards accepting vaccination as a disease prevention measure (Hallgren et al., 2021). By allocating sufficient resources and preparing local health structures for vaccination campaigns, clinical workers can efficiently spread the message through various platforms, educating the masses and improving vaccine uptake (Shen et al., 2022). Enhanced skills in vaccination campaign implementation will position clinical staff as key players in community health education and resource management.
References for Nursing Essay Example #4
Chou, W. Y. S., & Budenz, A. (2020). Considering emotion in COVID-19 vaccine communication: addressing vaccine hesitancy and fostering vaccine confidence. Health Communication, 35(14), 1718-1722. https://doi.org/10.1080/10410236.2020.1838096
Fakonti, G., Kyprianidou, M., Iordanou, S., Toumbis, G., & Giannakou, K. (2022). General vaccination knowledge influences nurses’ and midwives’ COVID-19 vaccination intention in Cyprus: a nationwide cross-sectional study. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 18(1), 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2021.2016008
Hallgren, E., Moore, R., Purvis, R. S., Hall, S., Willis, D. E., Reece, S., & McElfish, P. A. (2021). Facilitators to vaccination among hesitant adopters. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 17(12), 5168–5175. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2021.2010427
Karafillakis, E., Simas, C., Jarrett, C., Verger, P., Peretti-Watel, P., Dib, F., & Larson, H. (2019). HPV vaccination in a context of public mistrust and uncertainty: a systematic literature review of determinants of HPV vaccine hesitancy in Europe. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 15 (7-8), Pages 1615–1627. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2018.1564436
Shen, A. K., Sobczyk, E. A., Coyle, R., Tirmal, A., & Hannan, C. (2022). How ready were the US vaccination infrastructure and network of immunization information systems for COVID-19 vaccination campaigns: Recommendations to strengthen the routine vaccination program and prepare for the next pandemic. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 2088010. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2022.2088010
Suryadevara, M., Bonville, C. A., Cibula, D. A., & Domachowske, J. B. (2021). Multi-component cancer prevention awareness program to improve adolescent HPV vaccine uptake. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 17(4), 1052–1058. https://doi.org/10.1080/21645515.2020.1812316
Nursing Essay Example #5
Community Impact Paper
Violence affects the quality of life in various ways, significantly impacting individuals and communities prone to daily violence (NCIPC, 2016). This paper focuses on gun violence, analyzing its impact on health through a literature review. Additionally, it examines the social and economic factors contributing to violence and the effects of gun violence on individual and community health. Lastly, it discusses preventive strategies for managing gun violence and their impact on health. The analysis highlights that low socio-economic status, gang affiliation, and limited economic opportunities contribute to violence. Gun violence affects lives by lowering real estate prices, instilling fear, increasing healthcare costs, causing psychological issues, and leading to deaths.
Violence Topic Based on Literature Review
The psychological and emotional consequences of experiencing or witnessing violence are well-documented. Greenfield and Marks (2009) found that these effects often require extensive rehabilitation and can adversely impact physical health, and stress levels, and have repercussions for others. Research links violence exposure to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), aggressive behavior, and various mental health conditions. This paper focuses on the health repercussions of violence exposure at any age.
Violence is a risk factor for a broad range of psychological or mental health problems across all ages and genders. Bitsko et al. (2022) argue that young violence victims have a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing PTSD, depression, or substance abuse. Dickerson-Amaya and Coston (2020) add that women who have experienced violence in romantic relationships are three times more likely to suffer from depression, four times more likely to develop PTSD, and six times more likely to consider suicide.
Men in America are about four times more likely than women to commit suicide, accounting for 79% of all suicides in the country. Suicide is the sixth leading cause of death among American men (NCIPC, 2016). Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are more likely to attempt suicide, especially before age 25. A study of students in grades 7-12 found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual students are more than twice as likely as their heterosexual peers to attempt suicide. Risk factors associated with homosexuality or bisexuality in hostile environments are evident in mental health outcomes. Furthermore, Bitsko et al. (2022) note that PTSD can develop in over 77% of children exposed to school shootings and over 35% of urban youths exposed to community violence, compared to 20% of military personnel sent into combat zones in the past six years. Youths who witness stabbings are three times more likely to express suicidal thoughts than those who witness shootings, who are more inclined to develop alcohol addiction (Bitsko et al., 2022). Exposure to physical, gun, or sexual violence has health consequences for people of all ages and genders.
Victims of violence experience strong emotional effects, as do those who witness violence or fear it in their community (NCIPC, 2016). Violence also affects the workplace, where women are three times more likely to experience violence than men. Working in an emergency department increases the risk of encountering violence by 75% compared to working in billing offices (NCIPC, 2016). While various types of violence exist, no single reason fully explains the condition in society.
Socioeconomic Factors Resulting in Violence on Health
Various socioeconomic variables impact community violence, including unemployment, poverty, transiency, lack of economic opportunity, poor living conditions, gang involvement, and emotional distress (De Nadai et al., 2020). Lack of access to resources and services also contributes to community violence. Poverty and unemployment result in low socioeconomic status, prompting survival tactics among those affected (OurHealth Media Network, 2017). To survive, some resort to robbery with violence, leading to further malpractices (De Nadai et al., 2020).
The lack of economic opportunities for young people also promotes community violence. Limited job prospects lead to alternate means of income, such as selling narcotics, robbery, gang activities, and crime (Kim, 2019). Participation in these activities results in violence, negatively impacting the health of those involved (De Nadai et al., 2020). Emotional distress from socioeconomic pressures, such as financial strain, contributes to violence and associated health problems. Low-income couples, for instance, experience increased marital violence due to the stress of meeting daily needs (Kim, 2019).
Neighborhoods also influence the likelihood of encountering violence, including gang and financial violence (OurHealth Media Network, 2017). Informal settlements, for example, have high chances of gang and financial violence due to higher crime rates and gang control (De Nadai et al., 2020). Thus, a person’s neighborhood is a socioeconomic determinant of violence, with these environments fostering high levels of crime and violence, often leaving residents vulnerable and fearful of reporting incidents to authorities.
By addressing these socioeconomic determinants, effective strategies can be developed to reduce violence and its health impacts on individuals and communities.
Impacts of Gun Violence on the Health of People and the Community
Gun violence has significant economic and social repercussions. Bancalari et al. (2022) indicate that gun violence costs the American government at least $229 billion yearly, including indirect costs such as victims’ lost income and reduced quality of life. It negatively impacts property prices and the economy, as neighborhoods with high gun violence rates experience fewer service enterprises, fewer new jobs, lower homeownership rates, reduced credit scores, and declining house prices. Gun violence also causes residents to relocate or avoid moving to affected areas.
In terms of healthcare costs, Bancalari et al. (2022) explain that in 2010 alone, 36,000 survivors of firearm offenses visited emergency departments, and 25,000 were hospitalized, resulting in $630 million in treatment costs. Most of these costs (52%) were billed to taxpayers through government-funded health insurance, with 28% billed to uninsured individuals. Gun violence is widely recognized as a public health epidemic, with over 87% of Americans viewing it as a public health issue, including 96% of Democrats and 77% of Republicans. Survivors of gun violence often suffer from stress, depression, anxiety, and PTSD, affecting not only themselves but also witnesses, neighbors, and loved ones.
Living under the threat of gun violence negatively impacts health, instilling fear and anxiety in communities. Bancalari et al. (2022) note that stressed mothers tend to have infants with lower birth weights, and children may be unable to attend school due to unsafe streets, disadvantaging their education. Most American teenagers worry about school shootings, with students of color more concerned than their white counterparts. Thus, gun violence remains a critical issue due to its profound impact on community health.
Gun Violence Prevention Strategies and Their Impact on Health
Restricting weapon sales to individuals convicted of domestic violence-related offenses or subject to domestic violence-related restraining orders is an effective strategy to reduce Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)-)-related murders. States with protection order screening before weapon purchases have seen an 8-19% reduction in total IPV killings and a 9-25% reduction in IPV homicides involving handguns (Barry et al., 2018). However, federal law only mandates background checks for firearms purchased from licensed dealers, leaving a loophole for guns bought from unregistered vendors and at gun shows.
States requiring universal background checks for all handgun transactions have experienced a 47% decrease in IPV-related gun murder victims. The assault weapons ban enacted by Congress in 1994, which included 18 types of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, significantly reduced gun massacres during its tenure. Reintroducing this ban could cut off access to deadly semi-automatic weapons (McLively, 2019). Additionally, background checks for ammunition purchases, ammunition purchase limitations, and firearm identification regulations have been shown to reduce gun fatalities. Microstamping firearms or ballistic materials can improve homicide and violent crime resolution rates.
Background checks can reduce homicide and violent crime rates, with moderate evidence suggesting that mental health background checks can lessen violent crime. However, some laws have been shown to increase violent crime, such as “stand your ground” laws and concealed carry laws, which are associated with higher murder and violent crime rates (McLively, 2019). Between 2004 and 2014, after the assault weapons ban expired, the number of gun massacre fatalities more than tripled, highlighting the need for effective gun control measures.
Conclusion
Gun violence significantly impacts community health, primarily through its socioeconomic determinants. It causes psychological disorders, such as fear, stress, and PTSD, among victims and survivors, and affects economic investments like real estate and healthcare resources. While gun violence has a profound influence on health, it can be mitigated by re-enacting historical laws and strengthening current regulations. Preventive measures include limiting gun access, increasing taxes on firearms, conducting thorough background checks, and implementing ammunition tracking techniques. By leveraging both existing and historical laws, gun violence can be effectively reduced.
Areas of Future Research
Future research should explore other types of violence and their impact on individual and community health. For instance, investigating the effects of domestic violence on health and community well-being is crucial, as current data is sparse. Additionally, examining the impact of gang violence on community health is necessary due to the limited literature available on this topic. Further research in these areas will provide a more comprehensive understanding of violence and its effects on health.
References for Nursing Essay Example #5
Bancalari, P., Sommer, M., & Rajan, S. (2022). Youth Exposure to Endemic Community Gun Violence: A Systematic Review. Adolescent Research Review, 1-35. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40894-022-00178-5
Barry, C. L., Webster, D. W., Stone, E., Crifasi, C. K., Vernick, J. S., & McGinty, E. E. (2018). Public support for gun violence prevention policies among gun owners and non–gun owners in 2017. American Journal of Public Health, 108(7), 878–881. DOI/full/10.2105/AJPH.2018.304432
Bitsko, R. H., Claussen, A. H., Lichstein, J., Black, L. I., Jones, S. E., Danielson, M. L., & Meyer, L. N. (2022). Mental health surveillance among children—United States, 2013–2019. MMWR Supplements, 71(2), 1. https://doi.org/10.15585%2Fmmwr.su7102a1
De Nadai, M., Xu, Y., Letouzé, E., González, M. C., & Lepri, B. (2020). Socio-economic, built environment, and mobility conditions associated with crime: a study of multiple cities. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-70808-2
Dickerson-Amaya, N., & Coston, B. M. (2019). Invisibility is not invincibility: The impact of intimate partner violence on gay, bisexual, and straight men’s mental health. American Journal of Men’s Health, 13(3), 1557988319849734. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F1557988319849734
Greenfield, E. A., & Marks, N. F. (2009). Violence from parents in childhood and obesity in adulthood: using food in response to stress as a mediator of risk. Social Science & Medicine, 68(5), 791–798. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.12.004
Kim, D. (2019). Social determinants of health in relation to firearm-related homicides in the United States: a nationwide multilevel cross-sectional study. PLoS Medicine, 16(12), e1002978. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1002978
McLively, M. (2019). Gun violence prevention 2.0: A new framework for addressing America’s enduring epidemic. Wash. UJL & Pol’y, 60, 235.
https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/wajlp60&div=11&id=&page=
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) (2016). Preventing Multiple Forms of Violence: A Strategic Vision for Connecting the Dots https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/strategic_vision.pdf
OurHealth Media Network (2017, June, 24). Violence – A Public Health Issue. [Video] YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKa1yaakW7M