NURSES AS CHANGE AGENTS class discussions
All discussion Answers XA3001, XA3002, XA3003,
XA3004, XA3005
XA3001 Competency Discussion
Question
1. How might your personal experiences, self-identity, and bias impact
your community and decision-making?
2. Reflect on the demands that are or may be placed on you every day
that may be compounded while in school. What strategies, resources,
and/or boundaries might you implement to address these demands
and why?
XA3001 Competency Discussion
Answer
ANA’s position statement on dismantling racism highlights the
importance of ongoing self reflection to identify bias. Our own
experiences shape our perceptions and the actions we take. As a
nurse, we need to communicate with patients from diverse
backgrounds, understand their needs, and make sure there is no stone
, unturned in their care. We need to put ourselves in their shoes to
understand their prospective. The social determinants of health can
create barriers to care which we need to take into consideration. A
diabetic patient who does not take medicines as prescribed and misses
follow up appointments might be labelled as non compliant without
considering the economic hardships he is going through, inability to
pay, lack of transportation and basic facilities around the area he stays
etc. This can lead to inequitable care even though it is not intentional.
ANA Code of Ethics emphasizes on human dignity, advocacy, social
justice, and reducing health inequities. Nurses need to consider the
socio-economic factors of the patients without any bias or assumptions
based on personal experiences.
Nurses face heavy workloads, staff shortages, stressful environment,
and caring for patients with different needs. These demands can be
further compounded while in school. However, it is important to
manage family responsibilities, continuing education, and professional
requirements effectively. Effective time management is important to
be able to handle multiple responsibilities at one go. The ultimate goal
is to provide respectful care to all the patients ethically to promote
social justice and health inequalities. Continuing education will only
help this cause by providing mentorship, professional resources to
keep learning and improving my skills. Ensuring self care is also
important to be able to do my best. Meditation and yoga can help
prevent stress and burnout and not letting any frustration impact the
quality of care provided.
References:
American Nurses Association. (2022). The nurse’s role and
responsibility in unveiling and dismantling racism in nursing (Position
statement). American Nurses Association.
https://www.nursingworld.org/globalassets/practiceandpolicy/nursing-
excellence/ana-position-statements/ana-the-nurses-role-and-
responsibility-in-unveiling-and-dismantling-racism-in-nursing.pdf
American Nurses Association. (2025). Code of ethics for nursing.
https://codeofethics.ana.org/home