Being inclusive of diversity in nursing care: a discussion paper

The Australian health care system is responsible for delivering health services to an increasingly diverse health population. Nurses are in a position to positively influence health-related outcomes by actively addressing the differences individuals bring to their health care experiences. By focusing diversity on health inequities, nurses can play an important role in identifying those at risk of poorer health. This paper discusses diversity in the health population through health inequities and proposes directions for nursing practice. These suggested directions include application of a definition of diversity that include health determinants; targeting specific groups with programmes and services designed to reduce health inequalities; engaging in political action to promote effective policy development; preparing nurses at an undergraduate and graduate level to build capacity for addressing diversity and health inequities; and identifying effective interventions through research studies that address inequities in the health population.