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Leverage of Trust: Nurses Take a Stand Against Police Brutality and Racism

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The George Floyd incident, showcasing the brutal killing of a Black man by a Minneapolis police officer, has sparked global protests demanding police reform. As a Black nurse, Maija Anderson shares her personal experience of trauma and the need for accountability, urging the nursing community to take a stand against police brutality and racism. Anderson emphasizes that reform is not the only change needed, highlighting the disproportionate impact of policing on health outcomes for minorities. She cites research supporting the assertion of police violence's adverse effects on communities of color.

Key Takeaways:

  • Maija Anderson, a Black nurse, shares her personal experience of being subjected to excessive police force, inspiring her to advocate for change in the justice system.
  • Anderson emphasizes the importance of reform within law enforcement, but also acknowledges that it is not the only necessary change.
  • Research has shown a correlation between policing and adverse health outcomes, disproportionately affecting communities of color (Brown et al., 2017; Downs, 2016).
  • The American Nurses Association, American Medical Association, and other professional organizations have denounced racism and violence, supporting advocacy, education, legislation, and research to address these issues (ACEP, 2020; AMA, 2020; ANA, 2020).
  • Nurses have a professional obligation to promote health, safety, and human rights, as outlined in the ANA Code of Ethics (ANA, 2015).
  • In order to mitigate police violence, Anderson recommends:

+ Collegial dialogue to develop a better understanding of police violence

+ Additional research on the impact of police violence on victims

+ Collaboration between healthcare and law enforcement to develop adequate protocols for addressing care of victims of police force

+ Education and awareness about police violence and the nurse's responsibility in ensuring proper protocol is followed

Statistics:

  • 18 years in a row, surveys have ranked nurses as the most respected profession (Gallup, 2020).
  • Research suggests that minorities are disproportionately subjected to police force (Brown et al., 2017; Downs, 2016).
  • 8 minutes and 46 seconds is the length of time George Floyd suffered at the hands of the police officers ( Anderson, 2020).

Sources:

  • American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). (2020, May 30). ACEP Statement on Structural Racism and Public Health.
  • American Medical Association (AMA). (2020, May 29). Police brutality must stop.
  • American Nurses Association (ANA). (2015, January 1). Code of Ethics for Nurses.
  • Brown, C. A., Powell, W., Corbie-Smith, G., & Ritchie, O. (2017, August). Evidence Brief: Health Equity Implications of Police Violence.
  • Downs, K. (2016, July 14). Why aren't more people talking about Latinos killed by police?
  • International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN). (2020, June 3). Statement and Commitment on Police Brutality/Racism.
  • National League for Nursing (NLN). (2020, June 1). National League for Nursing Stands by Those Affected by Injustices Anywhere.
  • Obasogie, O., & Newman, Z. (2017). Police Violence, Use of Force Policies and Public Health.
  • Reinhart, R. (2020, January 6). Nurses Continue to Rate Highest in Honesty, Ethics,

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