Applying the Nightingale Pledge in Reducing Health Disparities: A Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injury Case Study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Public Health
• Health Equity

Background:

• The nursing profession is ethically bound to care for all individuals, as exemplified by the Nightingale Pledge.
• The pledge emphasizes public health and equity, positioning nurses as health missionaries.
• Persistent health disparities conflict with the core nursing value of caritas (love).

Purpose of the Study:

• To underscore the ethical imperative for nurse educators to address health disparities.
• To advocate for learning environments that facilitate discussions on diverse patient assessments.
• To align nursing education with the Nightingale Pledge's commitment to health equity.

Main Methods:

• The study is a conceptual analysis based on nursing ethics and public health principles.
• It examines the Nightingale Pledge as a framework for addressing health disparities.
• It reviews the role of nurse educators in promoting culturally competent care.

Main Results:

• Health disparities undermine the nursing commitment to equitable care.
• Inclusive educational settings are crucial for preparing nurses to manage diverse patient populations.
• Addressing differences in physical assessments is key to eliminating disparities.

Conclusions:

• Nurse educators have a critical role in creating environments that foster open dialogue about patient diversity.
• This approach is essential for upholding the Nightingale Pledge and advancing health equity.
• Proactive educational strategies are necessary to eliminate health disparities in nursing practice.