Pillar 9: Social Justice


Social justice is acting in accordance with the treatment of patients regardless of their economic status, race, ethnicity, age, citizenship, disability, or sexual orientation (AACN, 2008). We address social justice as a pillar of professionalism. How many times have we seen patients treated differently based upon the aforementioned reasons?  

Our students need to understand the importance of not treating people differently based on race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other component of social justice. The patients, inclusive of all patients,  deserve unconditional, unbiased care.  This is a concept that needs to be communicated to our students.  For nurses to be leaders, with regard to embracing social responsibility, the students must acknowledge the role of this pillar, within the profession (Tyer-Viola et al, 2009).

How can we, as faculty, support this pillar of professionalism?  How can we demonstrate the need for social justice in how we communicate and interact with patients?   We must be positive role models while interacting with patients in front of our students.  That then demonstrates our willingness to enact social justice as a pillar of professionalism.  

How do you enact social justice of patients within the education of your students?  As always, I invite both your comments and thoughts. 

References
 
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2008). The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice. Washington, DC.

Tyer-Viola, L., Nicholas, P.K., Corless, I. B., Barry, D. M., Hoyt, P., Fitzpatrick, J. J. & Davis, S. M. (2009). Social Responsibility of Nursing: A Global Perspective.
Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice. http://www.sagepublications.com.

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