A windshield survey is an informal survey where the nursing student drives aroun

A windshield survey is an informal survey where the nursing student drives around the community/area
they are researching and records his/her observations looking the windshield of the community as it relates
to the pediatric population.
For Nurses to be able to knowledgeably plan services for a community, it is essential to know a specific
community, identify health-related resources that may be helpful to members, and learn about gaps in
services. Conditions and trends in the community that could affect the health of the pediatric population
are noted.
An individual or a group of students will complete a community windshield survey of a neighborhood with a
focus on the pediatric population. It is acceptable to complete an assessment of a neighborhood, especially
in larger communities
PROJECT/PRESENTATION:
The student(s) will complete a PowerPoint presentation including relevant pictures. The PowerPoint
Presentation can be a voice over by each student involved or presented during the clinical time to the
clinical group.
The PowerPoint Presentation must include the following:
1. Demographics of the community (Maximum 5 slides):
a. Date and time of observation
b. Boundaries: identify the boundaries for the community and the section of the community
you assessed. Include a map that highlights the area assessed.
c. Housing & Zoning: how old are the home, what are the styles and materials? How well are
they maintained? Single family homes vs. multifamily homes. Vacancies? What does the
housing indicate about the income level?
d. Signs of Decay: identify if the homes are poorly maintained, trash in streets, vacant lots, etc.
Describe the evidence of water, air and/or ground pollution.
e. Economics: who are the major employers? What is the average income for the population?
f. General: is there evidence of gangs, drugs, homelessness? Is this a safe area for children?
2. Focus on the Pediatric Population (Minimum 15 slides):
a. Race/Ethnicity: what cultural and ethnic groups are represented? What is the percentage of
single mothers? What is the percentage of nuclear families?
b. Open space-commons/Parks & recreational areas: are the areas being used? What is the
condition? Are there recreational centers? If yes, use their website to determine what
activities are available for the pediatric population – sports, afterschool programs?
c. Transportation: what transportation do people use, is public transportation available, are the
streets and highways maintained? Do you see children walking?
d. Health & social service agencies: what ss agencies including healthcare facilities are in the
area-what are the gaps in service that you observed?
e. Protective Services: evidence of police, fire, sanitation and water treatment centers?
f. Religion: list the number and types of religious facilities.
g. Health & Morbidity: Is there evidence of any health problems such as drug/alcohol abuse,
communicable or chronic diseases, mental illness (etc)?
h. Stores: What stores (grocery, retail, drug, etc.) are in the area? How do residents travel to
them?
i. Day care centers: list the number and any observations – is the building and area clean, does
it appear maintained etc.
j. Montessori centers: list the number and any observations – is the building and area clean,
does it appear maintained etc.
k. Schools: list the type (private, public, vocational), level (grammar, junior high, high school,
college) and number of schools and any observations – is the building and area clean, does it
appear maintained etc.
l. Politics: is there evidence of political activity? Are there signs that indicate a predominant
political party? What if any concerns does this create for the pediatric population?
m. Participant observations: what thoughts do you have regarding the pediatric population in
this community? Would you raise your family in this community?
n. Nursing care: How does knowing the available resources in this community for the pediatric
population influence your ability to provide safe and effective nursing care in this community
See the files please