Social Justice Essay

Social Justice Beverly James Submitted to Cheryl Smith RN MSN FNP–BC in partial fulfillment of NR452 Contemporary Topics in Healthcare Regis University December 11, 2011 Social Justice According to Stanhope and Lancaster social justice refers to "providing humane care and social supports for the most disadvantage members of society" (Stanhope & Lancaster, p. 386, 2010). As a nurse in the community we can be advocates for those who are disadvantaged and "facilitate change in public policy to intervene and promote social justice...many of the determinants of health are beyond an individual's control, the interventions needed are likewise what a single person can do. Nurses can be advocates for policy changes to improve social,...show more content...

The nurse has a responsibility to be aware not only of specific health needs of individual patients but also of broader health concerns such as world hunger, environmental pollution, lack of access to health care, violation of human rights, and inequitable distribution of nursing and health care resources. The availability and accessibility of high quality health services to all people require interdisciplinary planning and collaborative partnerships among health professionals and others at the community, national, international levels. 8.2 Responsibilities to the public–Nurses, individually and collectively have a responsibility to be knowledgeable about the health status of the community and existing threats to health and safety. Through support of and participation in community organizations and groups, the nurse assists in efforts to educate the public, facilitates informed choice, identifies conditions and circumstances that contribute to illness, injury and meet national health objectives. In addition, the nurse supports initiatives to address barriers to health, such as poverty, homelessness, unsafe living conditions, abuse and violence, and lack of access to health services. The nurse also recognizes that health care is provided to culturally diverse populations in this country and in all parts of the world. In providing care, the nurse should avoid imposition of the nurse's own cultural values

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