Chapter 9

Embracing Diversity: Toward a Morally Inclusive Practice

Kathleen Stephany

Abstract

The goal of Chapter nine is to assist nurses to engage in a morally inclusive practice. A morally inclusive practice celebrates what people have in common as well as their differences. Diversity reflects variations in belief systems and ways of living and permeates everything that we do. Nurses are advised to diligently avoid stereotyping, which is expecting all people from a particular group to respond in a certain way based on perceived ideas. Systemic racism reinforces unfair inequalities among ethnic or racial groups and is a serious problem in health care. Education is the key to changing this culture. It is pointed out how Colonialism and Canadian residential schools resulted in historical trauma to Indigenous peoples that still negatively impacts large numbers of people. The Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRCC) (2015) made a specific recommendation that Canadian medical and nursing schools include a mandatory course covering Aboriginal health issues. Applying the principles of trauma-informed care (TIC), cultural safety and cultural humility are recommended to help nurses be empathetic. Bullying is identified as a negative but harsh reality in nursing. Witnesses of bullying are asked to intervene to end bullying behaviours. A proposed Code of Conduct to encourage inclusion in nursing is recommended. The Chapter ends with a Case in Point: The Sinclair Case: Ignored to Death.

Total Pages: 171-196 (26)

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