Date of Conferral
1-27-2025
Degree
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
School
Nursing
Advisor
Mary Garner
Abstract
The lack of resources in rural communities encourages new programs to improve outcomes in health and wellness. This project aimed to reduce the vaccination barriers of transportation and time by bringing vaccines to the children in the existing medical clinic. The purpose of this doctor of nursing practice project was the development of a sustainable vaccination program for rural communities. The practice-focused question was: Can a community team develop a sustainable plan to provide education and the provision of vaccines in a rural community? This included proposing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for providers regarding the education of patients, families, and the community as well as the correct provision of vaccines according to current medical guidelines. The theoretical framework that guided the project was Mobilizing for Action Through Planning and Partnerships, a community-driven strategic planning process to achieve health equity. A team consisting of a physician, immunization consultant from the county health department, and staff met over 4 weeks and developed the CPGs and an action plan to provide immunizations at the family practice clinic project site. Staff will provide support for supplies, storage, and documentation. The future plan is to offer an onsite clinic at a local school serving K–12 students. The implementation of this plan and its impact on social change will include evaluating immunization rates, parental acceptance, and the disease rates in this county. The project is replicable at other small rural clinics to address the equity and inclusion of the very diverse rural populations in these communities. Implementing this plan improves child, family, and community health and wellness, then more clinics that implement the plan, the greater the outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Nowiski, Shannon London, "Pediatric Immunization Program to Lessen the Lack of Services in Rural Communities" (2025). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 17240.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/17240
