Part 1
Universal health care is a medical insurance provided to the citizens by their state. For example, almost 15% of the people did not have health insurance by 2008 according to a report released by the Census Bureau. Also, more than 60 % of the bankruptcies in the United States found in 2007 were related to medical expenses (Relman, 2007). Further, United States recorded the highest number of prostate and breast cancer survival cases in the World. Therefore, universal health care would improve public health, prevent medical bankruptcies and reduce health care expenditure.
First, health care is a right for all Americans because the United States constitution its purpose is to increase the general welfare. Further, Americans should have the right to health care just as education because they promote the general welfare. Therefore, the federal government must ensure health care is provided universally to all residents.
Secondly, health care is a human right. According to the United Nations Universal declaration every person is entitled to the physical, mental and social well-being. In addition, the Declaration of Independence of the United States stipulates a right to life that includes having health care required to preserve life. Therefore, the federal government has no other obligation than to provide universal health care to its citizens.
Thirdly, providing universal health care to the residents is good for economic productivity and sustainability. Lacking health care makes people suffer from sickness, anxiety and stress that affects the individuals, as well as the families. On the other hand, when people have access to quality health care they enjoy healthier live and contribute to the society for a long period (Derickson, 2005).
Moreover, health care promotes equality. Access to quality health care reduces the number of people living in poverty because of poor health and lack of medical expenses (Relman, 2007). In addition, health care services are important for wellbeing of the community. Therefore, the federal government must guarantee Americans universal health care.
The federal government should provide universal health care to its citizens just like other developed nations. Most governments in the developed countries have guaranteed health coverage to its citizens. In addition, provision of universal health care by the state will reduce health care expenses. For example, Americans will enjoy regular and preventive medical care for prostate and breast cancer.
Finally, universal health care should be considered a right. For example, people should not be discriminated for being sick. Further, universal health care coverage will prevent the spread of diseases such as smallpox.
Part 2
Question 1
Universal health care is a good thing for the nursing profession. For example, professional nurses will secure funds to advance their training in nursing education. Also, the universal health care program is expected to create nurse managed clinics. This means the federal government will release funds to support the clinics and hiring extra professionals. However, the nursing profession will be overwhelmed by the increased number of people accessing universal care.
Question 2
It is important for nurses to consider how universal health care relates to their role in understanding and correcting of injustice in health care. Also, nurses have the responsibility of providing a service to personal well-being. Further, nurses will have to address those factors that work against personal wellbeing and community health. In addition, nurses and other health workers through their knowledge about barriers to the improvement of health care must help to provide quality y care both to the individuals and communities.
References
Derickson, A. (2005). Health security for all: Dreams of universal health care in America. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Relman, A. S. (2007). A second opinion: Rescuing America's health care : a plan for universal coverage serving patients over profit. New York: PublicAffairs.
Zerwekh, J. A., & Garneau, A. Z. (2011). Nursing today: Transition and trends. St. Louis: Saunders.
Hunnicutt, S. (2010). Universal health care. Detroit: Greenhaven Press.
