Addressing the Needs of Underserved, Vulnerable, and Marginalized Populations Introduction

Marian Allen

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Addressing the Needs of Underserved, Vulnerable, and Marginalized Populations

Introduction

Nursing values and professional ethics are fundamental in advocating for underserved, vulnerable, and marginalized populations. This discussion delves into the connection between these values and ethics and the advocacy priority for these populations. It also examines the influence of law, politics, and ethics on the identified advocacy issue.

Nursing Values and Professional Ethics

The advocacy priority for underserved, vulnerable, and marginalized populations is deeply rooted in the core nursing values of compassion, respect for human dignity, and a commitment to social justice. According to the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics, nurses have an ethical obligation to advocate for the health and well-being of all individuals, notably those disadvantaged or marginalized (American Nurses Association, 2015). This includes addressing social determinants of health and striving to eliminate health disparities.

Nursing values and ethics necessitate that this advocacy priority be on the agenda because it aligns with the profession's commitment to promoting health equity and ensuring that all individuals have access to quality care. The ANA's Code of Ethics underscores the importance of advocating for social justice and human rights, which are essential for addressing the needs of underserved populations (American Nurses Association, 2015). 

Impact of Law, Politics, and Ethics

The role of law, politics, and ethics significantly impacts advocacy efforts for underserved populations. Among these, politics often has the most substantial influence. Political determinants of health, such as policies and legislation, shape the allocation of resources and access to healthcare services (Dawes, 2020). For instance, policies that expand Medicaid or provide funding for community health centers can directly improve access to care for marginalized populations.

Ethics also play a critical role by guiding the moral framework within which nurses operate. Ethical principles such as beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice compel nurses to advocate for policies that promote the well-being of all patients, especially those most vulnerable (Porche, 2023). Law provides the regulatory framework that ensures compliance with ethical standards and protects patients' rights.

Conclusion

Nursing values and professional ethics are integral to advocating for underserved, vulnerable, and marginalized populations. These values demand that addressing health disparities and promoting social justice be a priority. Politics, with its significant influence on policy and resource allocation, often has the most substantial impact on advocacy efforts. However, ethics and law also play crucial roles in guiding and regulating these efforts. By leveraging these elements, nurses can effectively advocate for and improve the health outcomes of marginalized populations. 

References

American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. ANA. https://www.nursingworld.org/coe-view-onlyLinks to an external site.

Dawes, D.E. (2020). The political determinants of health. Johns Hopkins University Press.

Porche, D.J. (2023). Health policy: Applications for nurses and other healthcare professionals (3rd ed.). Jones & Bartlett Learning.

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