Racial disparities in health care and beyond

To say the least, the present climate of unrest within the United States is disturbing but not surprising. Racial differences have existed because the starting of time. I am unable to pretend to know what I have never experienced, but I can support other people through the use of what I actually have learned through my education and experience as a nurse.

Diseases and infections affect certain communities in another way, and racism is itself a public health problem. We are trained as nurses to evaluate and continually re-evaluate the social determinants of health – neighborhood and built environment, safety, prevention, education and economic stability – while caring for patients. In this fashion, we expand our care plan to incorporate not only the person patient, but in addition their family and community.

COVID-19 has already modified the landscape of our community. Now, as violence permeates peaceful demonstrations following the death of George Floyd, inequalities in our country are coming to the fore. As nurses, we are able to extend our influence beyond the clinical setting and be an example to those around us by demonstrating the fundamental principles of respect and kindness. While not everyone may know every part about every culture and their beliefs, we will be open to learning and do not forget that it’s our differences that make us unique, our differences that unite us, our differences are our strength.

And although we realize that there are differences, we’re all human. We are all life. And we’re all on this together. Regardless of your political affiliation, occupation, race, or religion, think back to while you attended nursing school and remember the fundamentals of cultural competency (Murphy, 2011):

• Knowledge – Become knowledgeable in regards to the health care practices and beliefs of others.
• Attitude – Recognize your personal biases and prejudices to avoid making assumptions.
• Skills – Communicate in a way that best allows for understanding and all the time with respect.

Our support for our neighbors is more vital than ever. Be there. To listen. Spokesman. This is what we do day-after-day as nurses.

Murphy, K. (2011). The importance of cultural competence, (2). doi: 10.1097/01.NME.0000394039.35217.12

Grant, E. (2020) American Nurses Association. https://www.nursingworld.org/news/news-releases/2020/ana-president-condemns-racism-brutality-and-senseless-violence-against-black-communities/