Nursing should engaged in changing policy through political action
Reflection is a process by which learners “think about the things they are doing...and how one is learning” (Fink, 2013, p.115).
Using this definition, this assignment requires the student to reflect on the content associated with Week 2 and make meaning of the learning experience.
Instructions
Please answer the following questions using APA style where appropriate.
Kagan, Smith, & Chinn (2014) note that we need to begin thinking of ourselves as a political profession (p. 86). What are your thoughts on viewing and/or describing nursing as one that requires collective action?
Do you believe nursing should be engaged in changing policy through political action?
Why or why not?
Describe the necessary actions needed to move towards antiracist nursing practice from both a personal and systems level.
How might the movie: Sisters of Selma inspire in current times?
Chin, Kramer, and Sitzman (2022) discuss "Most people are socialized to accept an unfair status quo as the way things are (hegemony) and not to question the uncomfortable fact that some people are privileged and others are disadvantaged" (p. 61). Consider an example from a healthcare situation or laws currently presented in the news that demonstrates options are not accessible to everyone. Whether you agree or disagree with this situation in mind, answer the four critical questions posed on page 61.
Who benefits?
What is wrong in this picture?
What are the barriers to freedom?
What changes are needed?
Resources
Chinn, P., Kramer, M., & Sitzman, K. (2022). Chapter 3
Kagan, P., Smith, M., & Chinn, P. (2014).
Reflection on Week 2 Learning
Thoughts on Viewing Nursing as Requiring Collective Action: Viewing and describing nursing as a profession that requires collective action resonates strongly with me. Nursing, at its core, is about advocating for the well-being and health of individuals, communities, and society as a whole. By recognizing nursing as a political profession, we acknowledge the power dynamics and social structures that influence health outcomes. Engaging in collective action ensures that nurses can address systemic issues, advocate for policy changes, and create environments that promote health equity and social justice.
Engaging Nursing in Changing Policy through Political Action: I firmly believe that nursing should be actively engaged in changing policy through political action. Nurses possess unique insights into the challenges faced by individuals and communities in accessing healthcare services. By leveraging their expertise, nurses can contribute to the development of evidence-based policies that address health disparities, improve healthcare delivery, and enhance patient outcomes.
Nursing’s involvement in policy change is crucial because policies have a profound impact on the social determinants of health. By advocating for equitable healthcare access, affordable healthcare services, and addressing systemic barriers, nursing can play a pivotal role in shaping a more just and inclusive healthcare system.
Actions for Antiracist Nursing Practice: To move towards antiracist nursing practice, both personal and systemic actions are necessary:
Personal Level:
Engage in self-reflection and education to recognize and challenge personal biases and prejudices.
Actively listen to the experiences of marginalized communities and seek to understand their unique health challenges.
Advocate for culturally competent care by embracing diversity, respecting patients’ cultural beliefs, and tailoring care plans accordingly.
Continuously educate oneself on antiracist principles and strategies to dismantle systemic racism within nursing practice.
Systems Level:
Implement policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within healthcare organizations.
Foster an environment that supports ongoing cultural competency training for healthcare professionals.
Establish partnerships with community organizations to address social determinants of health and reduce healthcare disparities.
Advocate for policies that address structural racism within the healthcare system, such as equitable distribution of resources and healthcare access.
Inspiring Lessons from the Movie “Sisters of Selma”: In current times, the movie “Sisters of Selma” can inspire individuals by showcasing the power of collective action and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. The movie tells the story of courageous African American women who fought for voting rights during the civil rights movement in Selma, Alabama.
The movie inspires in several ways:
It highlights the significance of solidarity among diverse groups to challenge systemic oppression.
It demonstrates the impact of grassroots organizing and peaceful activism in driving social change.
It emphasizes the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of resistance.
It serves as a reminder that progress towards justice requires ongoing commitment and activism.
Critical Questions on Options Inaccessibility:
a) Who benefits? In this situation, those who benefit are individuals or groups who hold power or privilege within the healthcare system or society at large. They may include insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, or policymakers who prioritize profit over equitable access to healthcare.
b) What is wrong in this picture? What is wrong is that certain options or resources are not equally accessible to everyone. This perpetuates health disparities and reinforces social inequities, resulting in unequal health outcomes based on factors such as race, socioeconomic status, or geographic location.
c) What are the barriers to freedom? The barriers to freedom include systemic racism, socioeconomic inequality, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited access to health insurance, discriminatory practices, and policies that perpetuate inequities in healthcare access.
d) What changes are needed? To address this situation, changes are needed at multiple levels:
Reforming healthcare policies to ensure equitable access to healthcare services for all individuals.
Investing in underserved communities to improve healthcare infrastructure and resources.
Promoting diversity and inclusion within the healthcare workforce to provide culturally competent care.
Advocating for policies that address social determinants of health to reduce disparities.
Challenging systemic racism and dismantling barriers that perpetuate unequal access to healthcare options.