Molly Jacobs
Phil 120
M5: Journal Reflections 4-7
Journal Reflection #4
I am entering the health care field because I want to do work that helps others and I
want to make a positive impact on people’s lives. My first career was as a 2nd grade teacher and
although I cared immensely for my students and their families, I realized that a classroom of 25+
kids was just not for me. I believe my motivation for this career change is a combination of my
desire to continue helping others and a fascination into medicine. Growing up I always knew
and understood the importance of serving others. Having two parents that are physicians, I was
able to hear their stories and see firsthand the impacts they have had on their patients. I want
to be a part of that. I want to be the nurse that has a positive impact on a patient and their
family even if it is the worst day of their lives.
Journal Reflection #5
Healthcare should be a human right. Human rights should exist regardless of culture,
religion, race, or socioeconomic status. I think back to the module when we were talking about
dignity and I said that dignity is simply the fact that a person’s life is worth something. One
person’s life is not worth more or less than others and therefore every person should be treated
with dignity and given the healthcare rights they deserve by simply being human. If a person
has poor health, they may be unable to work, care and provide for their families or even enjoy
life. As the saying goes, “if you have your health, you have everything”. I know that this is just a
, saying and not completely true, but it still holds some power. I instead like to think that having
good health can lead to more possibilities. You cannot have dignity and health and a ‘good life’
without healthcare.
Journal Reflection #6
The first case study looks at Roma. She is considered being from an underserved
population because she is not only a woman, but also an immigrant. Being that she cleans
houses for a living and has four children to care for, I would consider her socio-economic status
to be low. Her immigration status also plays a large role in her limited access to healthcare.
Although she does utilize the free clinic, I can understand her fears of seeking treatment in a
larger hospital facility. What if she gets deported and looses her children because someone
from the hospital reports her to ICE? I would show her compassion, get her in touch with a
social worker who can possibly help with childcare and advocate for her to get the tests needed
at the hospital.
The second case study showcases another single mother with a low socioeconomic
status. Staying on top of all her HIV medications is time consuming and can be very costly. If
she is unable to meticulously keep up with her treatment, she will continue to have flare ups,
miss work and be unable to financially provide for her children. On a personal and professional
level, I would show this woman and her children compassion and understanding. She has no
reason to feel ashamed of her situation. I would also work to ensure that more HIV resources
are readily available to her. I think nationally we need to make HIV medication more readily
available and have clinics that are focused at helping people through this specific medical
Phil 120
M5: Journal Reflections 4-7
Journal Reflection #4
I am entering the health care field because I want to do work that helps others and I
want to make a positive impact on people’s lives. My first career was as a 2nd grade teacher and
although I cared immensely for my students and their families, I realized that a classroom of 25+
kids was just not for me. I believe my motivation for this career change is a combination of my
desire to continue helping others and a fascination into medicine. Growing up I always knew
and understood the importance of serving others. Having two parents that are physicians, I was
able to hear their stories and see firsthand the impacts they have had on their patients. I want
to be a part of that. I want to be the nurse that has a positive impact on a patient and their
family even if it is the worst day of their lives.
Journal Reflection #5
Healthcare should be a human right. Human rights should exist regardless of culture,
religion, race, or socioeconomic status. I think back to the module when we were talking about
dignity and I said that dignity is simply the fact that a person’s life is worth something. One
person’s life is not worth more or less than others and therefore every person should be treated
with dignity and given the healthcare rights they deserve by simply being human. If a person
has poor health, they may be unable to work, care and provide for their families or even enjoy
life. As the saying goes, “if you have your health, you have everything”. I know that this is just a
, saying and not completely true, but it still holds some power. I instead like to think that having
good health can lead to more possibilities. You cannot have dignity and health and a ‘good life’
without healthcare.
Journal Reflection #6
The first case study looks at Roma. She is considered being from an underserved
population because she is not only a woman, but also an immigrant. Being that she cleans
houses for a living and has four children to care for, I would consider her socio-economic status
to be low. Her immigration status also plays a large role in her limited access to healthcare.
Although she does utilize the free clinic, I can understand her fears of seeking treatment in a
larger hospital facility. What if she gets deported and looses her children because someone
from the hospital reports her to ICE? I would show her compassion, get her in touch with a
social worker who can possibly help with childcare and advocate for her to get the tests needed
at the hospital.
The second case study showcases another single mother with a low socioeconomic
status. Staying on top of all her HIV medications is time consuming and can be very costly. If
she is unable to meticulously keep up with her treatment, she will continue to have flare ups,
miss work and be unable to financially provide for her children. On a personal and professional
level, I would show this woman and her children compassion and understanding. She has no
reason to feel ashamed of her situation. I would also work to ensure that more HIV resources
are readily available to her. I think nationally we need to make HIV medication more readily
available and have clinics that are focused at helping people through this specific medical
