ANA VT encourages support of Nurse Pledge to Champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
Posted about 5 years ago by Meredith Roberts
The Nurse's Pledge to Champion
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity
Dear Members,
The year of the nurse once again presents our communities with a challenge that nurses are uniquely positioned to address. The tragic death of George Floyd, and numerous others, reminds us all that there are profound and deeply rooted racial injustices and inequities in every aspect of our society. ANA and ONL stand by those peacefully protesting to bring attention to this unjust history. Amid new and charged conversations about social justice, vulnerable and diverse communities across the country, are seeing a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases and deaths due largely to inequities driven by social determinants of health.
You already do so much, but now, as The Code of Ethics for Nurses demands, there is a clear call to do even more.
Nursing has been the most trusted profession for the last two decades. As nurses we have an obligation to use our trust and influence to stop anything that negatively impacts the health and well-being of our patients. Racism is a healthcare crisis and our patients, colleagues, and communities need our help. We must renew our commitment to eliminating all forms of racism - systemic, institutional, personal, and unconscious - while finding avenues to break down the long-standing barriers, attitudes, and behaviors that have allowed biases to take hold and prevent meaningful and sustained change.
As a long-time partner of the New England Regional Black Nurses Association (NERBNA), The Organization of Nurse Leaders helped to develop a new position statement on social justice in both the practice of nursing and the professional development of nurses. This includes The Nurse's Pledge to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity which we invite all professional nurses to take immediately.
As a nurse, I pledge to:
- Actively listen to learn
- Champion strategies that advance equity
- See, hear, and accept people from every race and culture
- Promote the practice of self-assessment for unconscious biases
- Examine my practice and consider methods I can employ to stop contributing to systemic racism
- Be anti-racist, and stand with and stand up for, those with racially and culturally diverse backgrounds
- Foster a culture of diversity, equity and inclusivity
- Increase diversity within my sphere of influence
- Advocate for anti-racist training in formal education
- Hold myself and others accountable to committing to reforms and action
- Pursue social justice by listening and engaging in dialogue with others, even when it is uncomfortable
- Support legislative efforts aimed at eliminating racism and discrimination, and supporting basic human rights
- Educate myself about systemic injustice, and then use my trusted voice to influence and educate others
To take the pledge, simply follow this link: https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/gzBoEB
Please encourage your colleagues and friends to take the pledge by forwarding this email and sharing the link on your social networks.
As partners we will continue working together on programming aimed at supporting nurse leaders in understanding racism and bias, facilitating learning and growth in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusivity and social justice. Stay tuned for more information on this collaboration, and please feel free to share any specific requests or recommendations.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the equitable health, well-being, and safety of all your patients and colleagues.