I struggle to write about what is heavy on my heart. Here at Healthlink Advocates, we have followed the COVD-19 pandemic closely and that has been heavy on our hearts as we witnessed the tragedy of that. We have felt somewhat speechless about the racial tensions we are experiencing right now.
Being a registered nurse, I was struck by a statement that came out this week by the American Nurses Association President, Ernest Grant. He spoke of the nurse's Code of Ethics and how it obligates nurses to be allies and to advocate and speak up against racism, discrimination, and injustice. This is non-negotiable. He continued to say that at this critical time nurses are to use their trusted voice and influence to educate others about the systemic injustices that have caused the riots and protests we see in the news.
What I know for sure, is that I have always practiced nursing as described in this Code of Ethics. I would do anything for my patients and now as a private patient advocate I go above and beyond for anyone in need. Nurses see people in one category - sick, hurting, scared, and in need. They may be different ethnically or culturally but nurses look at the human being that is in need of care, not the specific physical characteristics, unless of course, it impacts their treatment plan.
Due to the horrendous tragedy of George Floyd and the subsequent violent riots and all of the changes the COVID-19 pandemic brought, I think we are challenged as a nation and as a people. I believe that with great challenges and change, can come great opportunity. I think this opportunity starts with our individual minds and thoughts.
I can’t possibly know what the big picture solution should be right now except that I know that all of human life is precious and should be considered so by all. Black lives matter. Hatred, racism and violence are unacceptable. Violent individuals can be deeply troubled and marginalized and that is a whole other conversation that needs to be had. I do know that we all have the chance to get real and honest with ourselves and develop our own “Code of Ethics”. If we all take a look at our thoughts and beliefs and improve any that need to be changed, your own “code” can be your guidepost. You can be an advocate for the human race and not a judge and jury. Remove all violent thoughts and replace them with love. I believe those improved thoughts will have a positive ripple effect in our country.
This is an issue for all and the opportunity to understand deeply the extreme suffering of black lives now and throughout our history. The problem is real and the solutions and our path to them may be uncomfortable but necessary. Austin Channing Brown has a great book titled, I’m Still Here, Black Dignity In A World Made for Whiteness”. I appreciate a quote of hers that we can all focus on, “The work of anti-racism is the work of becoming a better human to other humans.”
I leave you with a question and an opportunity to become more self-aware. Why does this racial inequality continue? It may be worthwhile to take a look at the unconscious mind which can play a critical role in creating a discrepancy in our reality and our aspirations. The unconscious mind may contribute to racial discrimination and bias.
According to Bruce Lipton, a developmental biologist and author of The Biology of Belief:
“The subconscious mind, one of the most powerful information processes known, specifically observes both the surrounding world and the body’s internal awareness, reads the cues, and immediately engages previously acquired (learned) behaviors—all without the help, supervision, or even awareness of the conscious mind.”
I invite you to read the following article that I found useful and informative. Let us stay sensitive, raw and willing to learn about solutions and change.
Quotes to ponder:
True peace in not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”~ Martin Luther King
“In order to change your life outside, you must change the inside, the moment you are willing to change, it is amazing how the universe begins to help you. It brings you what you need.” ~ Louise Hay