Date of Award

4-27-2018

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Deborah Schuhmacher DNP, RN

Second Advisor

Joyce Miller DNP, RN

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to conduct a photovoice project with youth experiencing homelessness who frequent a drop-in center in the Midwest. Youth experiencing homelessness are a marginalized population whose numbers continue to grow. Photovoice is a method by which marginalized populations have an opportunity to express their lived experiences through photographs and what those photographs mean to them. Four youth from the drop-in center in the Midwest participated in the photovoice project. The youths were given cameras and instructions to take photographs of three broad areas: what homelessness means to them, their dreams for their futures and how has drop-in center helped them on their journey through homelessness. Their photographs and narratives are explained in this paper. The photographs were categorized into three themes: Caring Connections, Where Will I Sleep, and Dreams for the Future. Margaret Newman’s Health as Expanding Consciousness Theory and the concepts of health, nursing, human, and environment provided a framework and guided this project. A conceptual model was developed to represent the journey of the youths’ lives. Increased authentic connections using photovoice may change policy decisions, help communities deliver equitable services, and empower the participants of the photovoice project. Increased use of photovoice for community needs assessments, evaluation of programs, and a way to inform communities about issues should be considered.

Identifier

SC11.DNP.2018.Paulsen.BD

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