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Applying critical theories to nursing in communities
1Department of Mental Health, Community, and Administrative Nursing, University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing.
Public Health Nursing (Boston, Mass.)
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Nurses can improve public health by partnering with vulnerable populations to address social and economic factors impacting well-being. Critical theories guide community health nursing practice to challenge oppressive conditions and promote health equity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Community Health Nursing
- Critical Theory
Background:
- Unsafe environments, social oppression, poverty, and political disenfranchisement negatively impact public health in the U.S.
- These factors disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, creating health disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for the use of critical theories in community health nursing.
- To guide nurses in emancipatory practice aimed at improving health outcomes for all.
Main Methods:
- This study advocates for a theoretical framework grounded in critical theories.
- It emphasizes collaborative action between nurses and vulnerable groups.
Main Results:
- Adopting critical theories can empower nurses to identify and challenge health-damaging social and political conditions.
- Partnerships with vulnerable groups are essential for effective, emancipatory practice.
Conclusions:
- Community health nursing requires a critical lens to address root causes of health inequities.
- Nurses must engage in activism and advocacy alongside communities to foster health and social justice.