According to a 2015 census, there are just over 3,000 homeless people living in Montreal. This number does not account for those who聽are dealing with hidden homelessness, such as temporarily living with friends or family or other short-term accommodation.
In addition to the many challenges and stresses of homelessness鈥攕uch as meeting immediate survival needs for food, water, clothing and shelter from the elements鈥攖aking care of health needs might seem insurmountable.聽
鈥淭here can be a lot of barriers to accessing health care services when you鈥檙e homeless,鈥� says Laurin Vroom, Ingram School of Nursing (ISoN) nurse clinician and instructor overseeing students at the new 黑料不打烊 nurse-led clinic at Accueil Bonneau, one of Montreal鈥檚 longest-standing outreach organizations for the homeless and at-risk. 鈥淵ou may have experienced discrimination, or there may be mental health issues present, which is why everything we do here is based on the therapeutic relationship.鈥�
Since September, therapeutic relationships are being forged every week, between 黑料不打烊 Nursing students and Accueil Bonneau residents, who are being provided with direct health care services, including having their blood pressure taken, blood sugar tested, and having head-to-toe physical assessments.
鈥淭his is a new initiative that we鈥檙e really excited about,鈥� says Francoise Filion, ISoN professor, and project lead for the partnership between 黑料不打烊 and Accueil Bonneau.
In addition to the nurse-led clinic, 黑料不打烊 Nursing students are promoting health among residents, such as sharing information about how to prevent colds and the flu. On November 22, a group of students led a special information session for residents, targeting foot care. Tables were set up with pamphlets and pictures, with students welcoming residents and answering their questions. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really rewarding, getting to interact with people,鈥� says Katherine Heron. 鈥淎nd I love that we鈥檙e taking nursing out of the hospital context and into the community.鈥�
Promoting health in communities is a pillar in the ISoN curriculum, reinforcing the notion that nurses鈥� vital work extends beyond hospitals or other clinical sites, into schools, organizations, and other community settings.
鈥淗alf of what we do is health promotion,鈥� says Laurin. 鈥淎gain, with that therapeutic relationship as the basis for everything.鈥�
鈥淚t鈥檚 been really interesting to get to know the Accueil Bonneau residents, learning about their past and what led them to where they are,鈥� says Nursing student Xavier St-Germain Roy. 鈥淟istening to them and providing for their needs is a really rewarding experience.鈥�