America Needs Nurse Practitioners to Advocate for Social Justice

The era of COVID-19 has highlighted disparities within the health care system. The pandemic, in combination with the death of George Floyd, has resulted in professional organizations condemning racism as a public health issue. But what is the role of individual nurse practitioners in addressing systemic racism within the healthcare system? The Code of Ethics for Nurses requires that all nurses actively work to reduce disparities. The code states that universal access to nursing is a human right and that health must be considered in the frame of social determinants. America needs nurse practitioners to reimagine the healthcare system and to develop policy and legislation that results in change. Nurse practitioners are among the most trusted professionals in America, and we can help the country heal from centuries-old injustices.