There can be many different factors that can affect an individual or a group of individuals. Depending where someone lives, what their economic status is, their education, and there family background/ health history. Depending on individual, environmental and societal factors, an individual could potentially be vulnerable. The list of factors that affect healthcare and the vulnerable populations is surprising and it is clear that there are many factors that affect care. As discussed in the presentation, factors such as transportation, budget for food, cost of care can affect an individual and can either worsen their health because they are already a vulnerable population, or a person may become vulnerable due to life’s unexpected turns. Obesity is something we think relates to laziness, or not exercising, when in fact it could relate to the income of a family and only being able to afford foods that cause obesity. Scheduling can also be a conflict for vulnerable persons, for example Tuberculosis medication calls. A person who is vulnerable is most likely working multiple jobs, trying to support themselves and their family. Sometimes health can be an added factor in their life and it can be hard for them to receive the treatment they need, due to their busy schedules. 

There has been ongoing discussion about how to resolve certain health issues in persons who are vulnerable. Healthcare is expensive and healthcare can be hard to obtain, especially in those populations who are more vulnerable. Working to provide care to those who are unable to care for themselves is very important to improve their health but also will prevent negative health outcomes to the individuals around them. I feel that after this presentation, I learned that public health affects everyone and I will work with public health nursing for my whole career. I learned in this presentation that I am the one that my patients will trust and it is my duty to help them receive the best care. It is my job to listen to what they have to say and also help do anything I can to make them feel safe and cared for. Learning a patients background and where they will be going after discharge is important so that I can create a realistic discharge plan for them. There are so many factors that affect someone’s health and it is the most important to look at a patient from a non-judgmental perspective and give them the care that they deserve, and need.