Nurses' responsibility to act against social injustice
While the murder of George Floyd was broadcasted across the country, many watched and recalled similar injustices they have witnessed over a life time. Americans know this crime was not committed in isolation. In fact, those of us in public service careers have witnessed these criminal, social inequities plague our country for years. The murder of George Floyd is a stark and sobering representation of the inequities that exists across the spectrum of American society. Murder is a direct cause death, social and systemic racism, bigotry, and inequity are indirect causes of death and often go unrecognized. As a practicing registered nurse, it has become clear to me over my career that our country has developed a social system that rewards the privileged and ignores the suffering of many.
People of color, members of the LGBTQ community, those of use with disabilities, and the low- and middle-income communities are routinely faced with unnecessary challenges particularly within the healthcare system. Whether it be geographical barriers to care, unaffordable or inaccessible healthcare coverage, or multigenerational social determinants of health, members of these communities are disenfranchised from receiving adequate health care. While the murder of George Floyd represents the systemic issues around law enforcement brutality and profiling, Mr. Floyd’s murder also represents the larger systemic issues of injustice and inequality. What I have come to learn in my career as a nurse is that it takes the collective majority, specifically from those of us in careers that can directly impact these disparities, to stand up against injustice. As a nurse I have seen the ramifications of these disparities and inequities in healthcare. People are forced into bankruptcy because they cannot afford their healthcare. Generational poverty has plagued people with multiple chronic diseases and has placed them at higher risk. Racism and prejudice have caused death. It is my responsibility and the responsibility of my nursing colleagues to recognize this and do our part to fight against it.
After seeing the results of George Floyd’s murder, I am compelled to also address and speak out against our current system of healthcare. Healthcare is a right to all regardless of class, creed, race, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We all deserve the American promise of a life full of health and wellness. Nurses in our country are doing what we can, every single day, to advocate for our patients. We do this because it is our responsibility and it will continue to be the legacy of nursing to fight for those who are vulnerable as has been our legacy for decades. Across this country, people are outraged about the murder of George Floyd. It is my hope that we continue to be outraged and do not lose sight of what we are fighting for.
I commit myself and my career to the protection of those most vulnerable. I promise to advocate for equality and justice for all. And I take an oath to use my voice, knowledge, and experiences to break down the systemic barriers that exist for people of the minority community so they can live a life of health and wellness. I invite my nursing colleagues to take the same oath in hopes of a more inclusive and equitable American society.
Ryne Wilson, RN, OCN (@ryne_wilson) is a practicing registered nurse in Southeast Minnesota and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student focusing on health innovation and leadership at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing.
