Health disparities exist not only in the United States but also globally. These disparities are brought about by differences in social and economic status, race, ethnicity, religion and culture. Sadly, inequality and discrimination do exist in the healthcare service. Nurses, as healthcare professionals play a significant role in reducing these disparities.
According to a study by Peragallo (n.d.), nurses are very much capable to help eliminate health disparities because of their experience in working with marginalized groups. She goes on further to state that nurses are the most trusted healthcare professionals because of their ability to communicate and partner with the most vulnerable communities.
The first step that the nursing profession should take to strengthen the battle against health disparities is to transform the nursing education towards the principle of mutuality. The quality of care given by nurses to different populations should at all times evoke a sense of social justice. These nursing skills can be developed through the appropriate nursing education, and through a multitude of experiences in varied communities.
One of the greatest challenges faced by the nursing profession is to serve as a conduit in helping change the systems and structures that contribute to health disparities. Nurses must have the necessary skills and competence to be able to tear down the processes which upholds the existing inequalities in healthcare.
Being primary providers of healthcare, nurses will be effective channels of intervention towards the reduction and hopefully, the elimination of health disparities. Nurses can perpetuate innovation in healthcare services to specifically address the issues of inequality. They can be the forerunners of social justice in the global healthcare system.
References
Giddings, L. S. (2005). Health disparities, social injustice, and the culture of nursing. Nursing Research, 304-312.
GR, S. (2007). Health disparities: What can nursing do? Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice, 285-291.
Peragallo, N. (n.d.). The future of nursing in eliminating health disparities. University of Miami.
