Allegory of the Orchard
The Allegory of the Orchard presents barriers and challenges of underserved, vulnerable, or marginalized populations and communities. These barriers and challenges highlight the importance of understanding the impact of political determinants of health on such groups. This allegory encourages an identification, understanding, analysis, and response to these factors as members of the healthcare community.
For this Discussion, consider the role of the political determinants of health on underserved, vulnerable, or marginalized populations and communities. How might advocates address the health disparities to promote equity and access to high quality healthcare?
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
Required Resources
· Dawes, D. E. (2020).
The political determinants of health. Johns Hopkins University Press.
· “Foreword (pp. ix–xi)
· Chapter 1, “The Allegory of the Orchard: The Political Determinants of Health Inequalities” (pp. 1–17)
· Porche, D. J. (2023).
Health policy: Applications for nurses and other healthcare professionals (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.
· Chapter 1, “Policy Overview” (pp.1–20)
· Chapter 6, “Healthcare Systems” (pp. 81–92)
· Walden University Oasis: Writing Center. (n.d.).
Citations: OverviewLinks to an external site.
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· Walden University Oasis: Writing Center. (n.d.).
Common assignments: Discussion postLinks to an external site.
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Media
· Satcher Health Leadership Institute. (2021, April 19).
The allegory of the orchard: The political determinants of health by Daniel E. DawesLinks to an external site.
[Video].
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 6 minutes.
· Satcher Health Leadership Institute. (2021, April 19).
The allegory of the orchard—part II: The political determinants of health by Daniel E. Dawes, part 2Links to an external site.
[Video].
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 7 minutes.
· Satcher Health Leadership Institute. (2021, February 2).
The political determinants of health: Jessica’s storyLinks to an external site.
[Video].
Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 5 minutes.
·
Document:
Welcome to the DNP Program
Download Welcome to the DNP Program(PPT)
·
Document:
Welcome to the DNP Program Narrative
Download Welcome to the DNP Program Narrative(Word document)
To Prepare:
· View and read the Learning Resources regarding The Allegory of the Orchard.
· Consider the role of political determinants of health on disparities in health for some groups.
· Consider if advocates should be more concerned with policies that promote equality or equity.
· Explore your role, as a nurse, in addressing these determinants in our policy advocacy efforts.
By Day 3 of Week 1
Post a response detailing the following:
Use
The Allegory of the Orchard to discuss how the political determinants of health negatively impact the health outcomes of a group of patients for whom you care. Why are you, as a nurse, the right person to become politically involved in addressing these determinants?
RESPOND TO THIS DISCUSION POST
A D H
Nursing is both an art and a science, guided by compassion, evidence-based practice, and a commitment to holistic patient care (AACN, 20219). My personal philosophy of nursing reflects these core principles, shaped by my professional experiences in critical care and my passion for serving patients during their most vulnerable moments. Working in critical care and the intensive care unit (ICU) has significantly shaped my understanding of nursing practice. Critical care demands precision, adaptability, and empathy. For instance, managing patients on ventilators or supporting families during end-of-life decisions requires not only technical expertise, but also emotional intelligence. These experiences have reinforced my belief that nursing is a vocation rooted in trust, accountability, and the capacity to connect with patients and their families during times of uncertainty.
One particularly memorable experience involved caring for a patient with sepsis who required aggressive intervention, including continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and hemodynamic monitoring. The interdisciplinary teamwork and critical thinking required in this case underscored the importance of collaboration, communication, and evidence-based interventions in achieving positive outcomes. The ICU offers an environment where I can integrate my interests in advanced hemodynamics, critical care pharmacology, and mechanical ventilation (Ginger, 2020). These areas allow me to continually grow and refine my skills while delivering high-quality care to patients with complex conditions. For example, understanding the intricacies of ventilator management enables me to advocate for lung-protective strategies and ensure optimal outcomes for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
I believe nursing is more than a career; it is a calling grounded in compassion, advocacy, and resilience (Marmot & Wilkinson, 2023). Nurses play a vital role as patient advocates, bridging gaps in communication and ensuring patient needs are met with dignity and respect (AACN, 20219). Nursing is consistently ranked as one of the most trusted professions, which reflects the public’s reliance on nurses to act in the best interest of their patients (Ginger, 2020). This belief fuels my commitment to delivering patient-centered care that recognizes individuals’ unique experiences, cultures, and values. For example, when caring for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds, I strive to understand their perspectives on health and incorporate culturally sensitive approaches into their care plans.
To align my nursing philosophy with Walden University’s mission of social change, I aim to expand my awareness of health disparities and the social determinants of health (SDOH). These determinants such as socioeconomic status, education, and access to healthcare profoundly influence patient outcomes and must be addressed to achieve health equity. One goal is to actively participate in initiatives that reduce disparities in critical care access. For instance, many underserved populations face barriers to timely interventions in emergencies. By collaborating with community organizations and advocating for policies that increase access to ICU-level care, I hope to contribute to systemic improvements.
Additionally, I plan to engage in lifelong learning through continuing education and research to stay updated on the latest evidence-based practices. For example, exploring how implicit bias affects clinical decision-making in critical care settings can help me become a more equitable and reflective practitioner (Ginger, 2020). My personal philosophy of nursing emphasizes compassion, technical expertise, and advocacy for all patients, especially those in critical care. By expanding my knowledge of SDOH and aligning my practice with social change initiatives, I can contribute to a more equitable healthcare system while maintaining the trust and integrity that define nursing as a profession.
References
American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). (2019).
AACN Standards for Establishing and Sustaining Healthy Work Environments: A Journey to Excellence.
Giger, J. N. (2020).
Transcultural nursing: Assessment and intervention. Elsevier Health Sciences.
Marmot, M., & Wilkinson, R. G. (Eds.). (2023).
Social determinants of health. Oxford University Press.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2020).
Social determinants of health. World Health Organization.
to an external site.Links to an external site.
