• To understand the terms equality, diversity and inclusion
• To recognise your responsibilities in promoting equality and diversity
• To count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)
• To contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)
Nurses have a duty to promote the values of equality and diversity during their interactions with patients and their families and carers, as well as peers and colleagues. This article defines the terms equality, diversity and inclusion, and explains the importance of the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998 in protecting people from various types of discrimination. It also outlines nurses’ responsibilities in promoting equality and diversity by treating all patients and colleagues with respect and dignity, providing compassionate leadership, and practising in accordance with the ethical principle of justice. The article encourages and empowers nurses to recognise and challenge discrimination wherever they see it, thereby delivering high-quality care to all patients.
Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2021.e11531
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software
CorrespondenceD.Stonehouse@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Conflict of interestNone declared
Stonehouse DP (2021) Understanding nurses’ responsibilities in promoting equality and diversity. Nursing Standard.
Published online: 06 April 2021
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