Goals for Expanding Awareness and Promoting Social Change

     In alignment with Walden University's (n.d.) mission for social change, I am committed to broadening my understanding of how systemic inequities intersect with mental health and trauma-informed care. This includes engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations to improve access to trauma-informed services for underserved populations and advocating for policies that address economic and social barriers to care. I aim to participate in initiatives that expand insurance coverage for mental health services and develop community-based programs that provide accessible and affordable therapy modalities to all humans.

     I plan to explore how systemic racism, and historical injustices perpetuate disparities in healthcare, specifically mental health. As Walden University (n.d.) notes, achieving health equity requires addressing "historical inequities and structural barriers through collaborative solutions." Nurses of all degree types can be critical in fostering systemic change by advocating for culturally sensitive policies and equitable access to mental health services.

Conclusion

     My nursing philosophy envisions the profession as the epicenter of human healing, addressing health's physical, mental, and social dimensions. Through trauma-informed care and a commitment to addressing inequities, nursing has the potential to transform lives and promote holistic healing. By embracing this vision, I aim to contribute to a more just and compassionate world where all individuals should have the opportunity to heal from trauma and achieve mental, physical, and emotional wellness.

References

American Nurses Association. (n.d.). Ethics. Nursing World. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/ethics/Links to an external site.

American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2021). The essentials: Core competencies for professional nursing education. https://www.aacnnursing.org/Portals/0/PDFs/Publications/Essentials-2021.pdfLinks to an external site.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, January 17). Social determinants of health (SDOH). CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/socialdeterminants/indexLinks to an external site.

Fleishman, J., Kamsky, H., & Sundborg, S. (2019). Trauma-informed nursing practice. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 24(2), Manuscript 3. https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol24No02Man03Links to an external site.

McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2022). Theoretical basis for nursing (6th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.

Walden University. (n.d.). Social determinants of health: Understanding vision health equity. https://www.waldenu.edu/online-masters-programs/master-of-science-in-nursing/resource/social-determinants-of-health-understanding-vision-health-equityLinks to an external site.