What is a Windshield Survey?
A windshield survey is an observational research method used in community health nursing to assess the physical and social characteristics of a community. It involves systematically observing and documenting various aspects of a neighborhood or city, typically while driving or walking through the area.
Steps to Conduct a Windshield Survey for Sentinel City®
1. Planning and Preparation
- Identify objectives: Determine what specific aspects of community health you want to assess.
- Choose a route: Plan a path through Sentinel City® that covers diverse neighborhoods like Industrial Heights, Nightingale Square, and the area around the Acer Tech Center.
- Prepare necessary tools: Have a notebook, camera (if applicable in the simulation), and any provided maps or guides ready.
2. Conducting the Sentinel City Windshield Survey
- Navigate through Sentinel City®: Explore the virtual city, paying close attention to the details of each neighborhood.
- Observe and document findings: Take notes on key indicators such as:
– Infrastructure (roads, public transportation, parks, and recreation facilities)
– Businesses and services (health clinics, community centers, grocery stores)
– Housing conditions and types (including affordable housing projects)
– Environmental factors (cleanliness, green spaces, potential health hazards)
– Social indicators (presence of community members, signs of community engagement) - Pay attention to specific areas of interest:
– Better Health Clinic
– City Hall
– Casper Park District
– Industrial Heights and Casper Park neighborhoods
– Nightingale Square and Acer Tech areas
3. Analyzing and Interpreting the Data
- Organize findings: Group observations by category (e.g., healthcare access, housing, environmental health).
- Identify patterns and trends: Look for commonalities and differences across neighborhoods.
- Conclude: Determine the major health concerns and community needs based on your observations.
How to Write a Sentinel City Windshield Survey Paper: A Practical Guide for MSN Nursing Students
A windshield survey is a powerful tool in community health nursing that allows students and practitioners to assess the health status of a community or neighborhood through direct observation. In MSN programs, the Sentinel City virtual simulation provides an excellent opportunity to apply this method in a realistic, interactive setting.
Writing a windshield survey paper involves more than just reporting what you see—it requires you to analyze your observations, connect them to social determinants of health, and recommend interventions based on nursing theory and public health principles.
This guide outlines how to write a strong, well-organized Sentinel City windshield survey paper step by step.
1. Introduction: Set the Context and Purpose
Begin your paper with a concise introduction that clearly outlines the purpose of your windshield survey. Explain that the assessment will evaluate environmental, social, and economic conditions in Sentinel City to identify factors affecting population health.
What to Include:
- A brief description of what a windshield survey is
- The relevance of this survey to community health assessment
- The objective of conducting the assessment in Sentinel City
Example:
“This windshield survey aims to assess the health status of Sentinel City by observing environmental and social factors that influence population health. By conducting a systematic community observation, the goal is to identify areas where public health efforts and nursing interventions can support wellness and disease prevention.”
2. Methodology: Describe How the Survey Was Conducted
In this section, explain how you carried out the Sentinel City survey using the simulation platform. Be systematic in describing your approach.
What to Include:
- The use of the Sentinel U virtual environment
- Specific neighborhoods explored (e.g., Industrial Heights, Casper Park, Nightingale Square)
- The importance of surveying at different times of the day and different days of the week
- Observational tools such as a checklist or notes based on a windshield survey template
Tip: Mention how you used simulated van, truck, or walking views to gather information from different perspectives.
3. Demographic and Population Overview
Summarize key demographic data for Sentinel City. Understanding the population’s composition is essential to assessing health needs and planning interventions.
What to Include:
- Population size and age distribution
- Racial and ethnic groups
- Income levels and poverty rate
- Percentage of people with disabilities
Tip: Use this data to contextualize differences you observe between neighborhoods later in the paper.
4. Environmental and Physical Assessment
This section should provide an in-depth description of the physical environment in Sentinel City. Focus on observable conditions that influence health and safety.
What to Observe:
- Age and condition of housing
- Are yards neat or overgrown?
- Presence of vacant storefronts or public and commercial buildings
- Quality of streets and sidewalks—are they usable, clean, and well-maintained?
- Are sidewalks accessible for people with disabilities?
- Lighting conditions—are areas well-lit at night?
Tip: Compare conditions across different neighborhoods to highlight disparities.
5. Community Resources and Accessibility
Next, evaluate the availability of service providers and community facilities, including whether they are easy to reach for the population.
What to Include:
- Health care services: many hospitals and clinics, mental health services, and food banks
- Recreational spaces: parks, basketball courts, soccer fields, baseball fields
- Cultural and civic resources: library, theater, historic sites, museum
- Social supports: religious institutions, shelters, and community centers
- Infrastructure that promotes safety and sanitation, such as trash cans, signage, and crosswalks
Tip: Consider the practicality of using these services—are they concentrated in one area or evenly spread?
6. Community Life and Social Interactions
Discuss signs of community engagement and safety as observed during the survey.
What to Observe:
- Presence of people on the streets or in parks
- Any visible gathering spaces or events
- Indications of whether the area feels hostile or welcoming
- Diversity of the variety of people observed
- Any signs of unsafe or neglected areas
Tip: These observations reflect the social well-being and cohesion of the community.
7. Health Risks and Community Needs
Identify visible health concerns or risks affecting specific populations or specific groups in the city.
What to Include:
- Observations of homelessness, substance use, or obesity
- Environmental risks such as pollution, lack of clean water, or poor housing
- Limited access to nutritious food or healthcare
- Safety concerns for children, the elderly, or people with disabilities
Tip: Link each health concern to potential social determinants and neighborhood-level conditions.
8. Community Strengths and Weaknesses
Summarize what’s working well in the community and what needs improvement.
Examples:
- Strengths: Active parks that are well used, accessible clinics, clean streets, or a vibrant public and commercial building district
- Weaknesses: Vacant storefronts, neglected yards, lack of public transportation, or uneven access to services
Tip: Think about how these conditions impact community health and wellness over time.
9. Recommendations and Health Promotion Planning
Based on your observations, make recommendations for nursing or public health interventions. Your recommendations should aim to develop a health promotion strategy or contribute to a broader health promotion and wellness plan.
What to Include:
- Expanding services to underserved areas
- Enhancing infrastructure (e.g., lighting, sidewalks)
- Promoting access to healthcare and mental health resources
- Leveraging community assets like religious institutions or local organizations
Tip: Consider using a community tool box or other structured frameworks to design your interventions.
10. Conclusion: Reflect and Summarize
End your paper by summarizing the key findings and reflecting on how the windshield survey contributes to effective nursing practice and community health assessment.
What to Include:
- Recap of the most pressing health issues
- The value of direct observation in understanding community dynamics
- How this experience can inform real-world health planning
Tip: Emphasize the connection between what you observed and the wellness plan for the population that you envision as a nursing professional.
Writing a Sample Windshield Survey Paper Outline
Introduction
1. State the purpose of your Sentinel City windshield survey.
2. Provide a brief overview of the virtual community and the survey process.
Methodology
1. Describe the route taken through Sentinel City® and areas covered.
2. Explain the tools and techniques used for data collection in the virtual experience.
Findings
1. Summarize key observations from each neighborhood.
2. Analyze trends and patterns observed throughout the city.
3. Include relevant demographic data:
– Total population of Sentinel City®
– Breakdown of demographics (e.g., 80.6% White, 10.4% Black, 3.7% Asian, 0.2% Native American)
– Median household income and poverty rates
– Age distribution (e.g., percentage of population 65 years and older)
Health Assessment – Windshield Survey Community Assessment
1. Identify major health concerns observed in Sentinel City®.
2. Discuss access to health services, including the Better Health Clinic.
3. Evaluate environmental health factors and their potential impact on residents’ health.
4. Assess community resources related to health and well-being.
Recommendations
1. Suggest interventions to address identified health issues.
2. Propose strategies for health promotion and disease prevention.
3. Recommend areas for further research or assessment.
Conclusion
1. Recap key findings from your windshield survey of Sentinel City®.
2. Emphasize the importance of community assessment in nursing practice.
NRS-425 Windshield Survey Template and Instructions
Windshield Survey Template and Instructions
A windshield survey is an important tool that a community health nurse utilizes to assess the needs of the community served. It is important to understand what a windshield survey is, why it is important to utilize, and how to perform such a survey.
A windshield survey is a component of a comprehensive community assessment. It encompasses objective observations as data to collect, to familiarize oneself with the community. It is the part of a comprehensive community assessment that is done in the beginning as a foundation to build the assessment upon (Savage et al., 2016). So, as a nurse would do a head-to-toe assessment as part of an individual assessment, a community nurse would do a windshield survey as part of a community assessment (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2014).
Windshield surveys are typically completed by driving through a community and observing through the \\\”windshield\\\” various components of the community that are critical in understanding the community. A windshield survey can also be completed by walking through a community and making objective observations while walking instead of driving. This walking format is typically utilized when parts of the community cannot be seen from a car or the community cannot be driven through, as for a college campus, large apartment complex, etc. (Rabinowitz, 2015).
It is important when collecting data for a community assessment to make sure the data is objective versus subjective. Record strictly what is observed, not thoughts about the observations. Below are examples of appropriate and inappropriate documentation.
- Inappropriate – “The streets are dangerous” (as this is an opinion and subjective).
- Appropriate – “There are no streetlights on the street, which results in areas with complete darkness; there are scattered potholes noted in the sidewalks” (as this is what is observed).
- Inappropriate – “The front lawns are unkempt” (vague and subjective).
- Appropriate – “The front lawns are comprised of rock and dirt. Many of the lawns have bottles and paper trash. Some have weeds and dry or dead plants. A few lawns have grass that is yellow” (specific and objective).
Use the attached template for your windshield assessment survey.
Context for the windshield survey nursing examples
Can I get a windshield survey done for the area surrounding Georgia Health Foundation in Atlanta Georgia?
Windshield Survey Example Nursing Essay
Boundaries/square mile surveyed:
| Topics | Specifics | Objective descriptions of the topic/specifics |
| Housing | Types? Age? What are they made of? Spacing between housing? Condition of housing? Front yards? Backyards? | There are modern permanent houses built with concrete, stones, and bricks, with iron roofs. Most of the buildings are story houses, densely spaced, with some of them built less than 24 meters apart. Some houses have front and back yards, with majority of them located in the town centers lacking front yards. Majority of the houses are in good conditions with neat paintings. |
| Stores/ businesses/ commercial | What stores are available to community? What kind of businesses are present? Boarded up or vacant stores? Large or small businesses/stores? Appearance? Industrial or manufacturers? | There are grocery stores like Trade Joe’s Grocery store, which sells special groceries with house brand items (Trade Joe’s, n.d.). There are businesses like gyms, restaurants, food stores, and auto mechanics repair shops. The grocery and auto shops are big businesses. The businesses appear to be manufacturers. |
| Social services | Homeless shelters? Banks? Service clubs (e.g., Elks lodge, Lions club)? Easy to access? Central locations? Busy or low use? | There are homeless centers like BCM Georgia in proximity to Georgia Health Foundation (BCM Georgia, n.d.). Also, there are banks like Greenwood, Inc. and Ameris bank within the area. The banks are located in the city center, making them easily accessible. The banks are busy with many customers entering and exiting them. |
| Parks | Appearance? Equipment? Sports facilities? Sports fields? Playground? Usage-by who? Lighting? Grass or gravel? Trees? | There is Chastain Park in proximity to Georgia Health Foundation. Chastain Park Conservancy (2024) illustrates that the park has a playground for sporting activities like athletics. It has grass and many trees around the playground. The playground is well lit, with street lights installed along the sidewalks within the park. Also, it has an amphitheater where entertainment activities, cultural events, and performances are held (Chastain Park Conservancy, 2024). |
| Commons | Where do community members “hang out” or congregate? Who and what times? Appearance of the areas? Seating? Shade? | There are public spaces like Chastain Park where community members hang out, especially on weekends (Chastain Park Conservancy, 2024). They can also hang out at LEGO Discovery Center, which hosts a variety of entertainment activities like 4D films, performances, and bike rides (LEGO Discovery Center, n.d.). |
| Open space | Any open spaces? How big? What do these spaces entail? How are these spaces used, if at all? Fields? Mountains? | There is an open space at Chastain Park which hosts events like celebrations, meetings, and sporting activities, like athletics (Chastain Park Conservancy, 2024). It has a large playground where athletics take place. North Druid Hills and Embry Hills are all in proximity to Georgia Health Foundation. |
| Education or schools | Elementary, high schools, grade schools in area? Public or private? Colleges/universities? Appearance of buildings? Green fields/playgrounds? Sports facilities? Libraries in community? | There is public primary school called Garden Hills Elementary School near Georgia Health Foundation. The school has a playground which hosts various cocurricular activities like football and athletics (Atlanta Public Schools, n.d.). Emory University School of Medicine is also in proximity to the healthcare organization. Additionally, there is a green field at Chastain Park. There are no community libraries in the area. |
| Food | Grocery stores? Food stands? Restaurants? Fast food? Types of food available? Processed, fresh, organic? Food kitchens? | There are many grocery stores along the street, such as Trade Joe’s Grocery store, which sell special groceries with house brand items (Trade Joe’s, n.d.). The grocery stores sells fresh, processed, and organic food. Also, there are food stands along the street, especially at bus stops and in front of the public places like Atlanta History Center. Pachengo’s restaurant, which serves Mexican dishes is also visible along the street. |
| Culture and entertainment | Recreation centers? Museums? Clubs? Sports venues? Theatres? Bars? Centrally located? Accessible? Usage by whom? | There are recreation centers in proximity to Georgia Health Foundation, such as Atlanta History Center and LEGO Discovery Center, Atlanta. These venues are accessible through public and private transport. The Atlanta History Center is used mostly by students and the public who wish to learn about the history and culture of the residents of Georgia. Sloomoo Institute-Atlanta is also in proximity to Georgia Health Foundation. The institute is a museum for children. |
| Safety | Evidence of police? Evidence of firefighters? Police station? Fire station? Lighting? Signs, posters, billboards for safety? | There are two police stations in the region: Atlanta Police Department Lenox Civil Police and Atlanta Police Department Zone 2. There is a police stop along the street, where traffic police officers are inspecting vehicles. Also, there are billboards and posters indicating fire safety procedures. Some signages are placed along the street to indicate open spaces for fire assembly. |
| Religion | Places of worship? Which religions? Appearance of religious venues? Places of worship for different ethnicities of the same faith? Religious statues or indicators throughout neighborhood? | There are many places of worship in the region, such as Peachtree Road United Methodist Church and Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist church. These churches indicate that majority of the residents are evangelical protestants. The Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist church bears a Hispanic name. Also, there is a non-denominational church called Buckhead Church. |
| Health indicators | Hospitals? Pharmacies? Clinics? Doctors/dentists? Mental health services? Substance abuse indicators and services? | There are pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals like Georgia Health Foundation in Atlanta, Georgia along the streets. AHF healthcare center-Peachtree and Good Samaritan clinic are visible along the street. Also, there is a signage along the street indicating the dangers of substance abuse. It directs individuals to seek substance abuse medical care at the Good Samaritan clinic. |
| Street people and animals | Who do you see on the streets? What is their activity? Stray animals? Pets on leashes? | There are people of different colors, such as whites, blacks, and Hispanics walking along the streets. Some people are vending newspapers, water, and cookies along the streets. There is also a stray dog lying on the sidewalk while another elderly woman is holding a pet dog with a leash. |
| Transportation | Transportation sources seen? Public transportation? Who utilizes such sources? Bus stops? Pedestrians? Traffic? Bike lanes? Private cars or commercial/industrial vehicles? | There are tree-line oriented pedestrian sidewalks along the roads. Midtown Alliance (2024) observes that the sidewalks have street lights, which make the streets visible during the night. There are also private cars along the roads while other people are using public transport system. MARTA rail lines are also visible (Midtown Alliance, 2024). There is no congestion on the roads, and traffic is moving smoothly. |
| Infrastructure | Condition of streets/roadways? Sidewalks? Bridges? Streams/rivers? Differences of conditions within various parts of the community? Trash? Abandoned cars? Signage? Evidence of electricity, water, sewage, waste disposal? Phone towers? | There are a few potholes on the road, and the road markings are clear. The road surface is even, with a few speed bumps. There are well-maintained and spacious sidewalks along the roads (Midtown Alliance, 2024). The trash bins are clearly labeled and scattered along the streets, mostly in areas where there are street benches and bus stops. Also, there are no abandoned cars along the streets, and signages of bus stops, Georgia Health Foundation Hospital, and restaurants are visible along the streets. Additionally, there are electricity poles along the streets and water drainage systems along the roads. There are cylinder-type cell phone towers on top of some story buildings. |
| Race/ethnicity | Identifiable racial and ethnic markers noted? Evidence of language spoken? Ethnic stores, places of worship, restaurants? | There are black individuals walking along the roads, with some entering or exiting the shops. Other stores comprise mostly of Hispanic individuals, who have aquiline nose and pinkish-white skin. Also, there is a restaurant called Pachengo’s along the road. This restaurant identifies as Latino due to its Spanish name. |
| Politics | Protests? Demonstrations? Political signs posted? Headquarters? | There are posters of President Joe Biden on posts and some walls along the streets. Some posters appear to have been placed on top of former President, Donald Trump’s posts. They do not completely cover the former president’s face. |
| Media | Magazines? Newspapers? Evidence of social media? Television? Radio? | There are newspaper vendors along the streets, with some holding newspapers from New York Post and USA Today. A poster advertising a party is mounted on an electricity pole. The advert has included social media platforms like Facebook, X, Threads, and Instagram as contacts where interested individuals can reach out for queries about the party. |
| Environment | Green space? What type (parks, lawns, wilderness areas)? Smells (exhaust, garbage, smoke, etc.)? Smog? Clear water in streams (if present)? Garbage within community? Noises heard? | There are well mowed lawns along the streets, with half empty recycling bins. The recycling bins are scattered along the street. The streets are clean with a few plastic bottles and papers scattered along the road. The streets and atmosphere is clear with no smog. The neighborhood is calm with no noises. |
| Your feeling | What is the overall feeling you experienced while observing this community? Explain. | I felt happy observing different aspects of my community. I was excited to learn about many aspects of the community that I had not come across previously, such as the Pachengo’s restaurant and LEGO Discovery center. The activities at LEGO Discovery center has increased my interest to hang out at the facility during the weekend. |
Windshield Survey Nursing Paper FAQ
What is a windshield survey in a nursing paper?
A windshield survey in nursing paper is a form of community assessment where a nurse observes and gathers data about a specific area while driving or walking around. This method helps nurses understand the community’s health needs, resources, and potential interventions.
How can Sentinel City be utilized for a windshield survey?
Sentinel City is a virtual environment used in nursing education for conducting windshield surveys and other assessments. It provides a simulated urban community where students can practice community health nursing skills.
What are the benefits of conducting a windshield survey in community health?
Conducting a windshield survey in community health allows nurses to gain insights into the community’s demographics, identify health disparities, assess environmental factors, and plan targeted interventions to improve the health of the population.
What role does Nightingale Square play in nursing practice?
Nightingale Square symbolizes the essence of professional nursing and the legacy of Florence Nightingale. Nurses can draw inspiration from Nightingale Square to provide high-quality care, advocate for health equity, and promote wellness in the community.