Reflections on equity and its applicability to the nursing work process.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Social Justice
• Public Health

Background:

• The principle of equity is fundamental to social justice.
• Addressing inequities in healthcare access and delivery is a persistent challenge.
• The nursing work process encompasses multiple dimensions where equity can be applied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the principle of equity through the lens of social justice.
• To examine the applicability of equity within the nursing work process.
• To identify challenges and strategies for implementing equity in nursing.

Main Methods:

• A theoretical essay was conducted.
• The study analyzed the dimensions of the nursing work process: teaching, care, research, political participation, and administration.
• Challenges to practicing equity were examined.

Main Results:

• Equity in nursing education should be integrated transversally in professional training.
• Equitable care involves treating unequal individuals unequally and equal individuals equally, without privilege or discrimination.
• Equity in research should guide the creation of new knowledge.
• Political participation in equity requires the involvement of social movements.
• Equity in administration necessitates specific, executable policies.

Conclusions:

• Significant inequalities persist in access to services for the Brazilian population.
• Nursing professionals should actively promote policies that advance equity and social justice.
• The nursing work process offers critical opportunities for implementing equity-focused initiatives.