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Writer's pictureThe Shift Change Podcast .

Season 4 Episode 2 - Nurses as Advocates: Leadership in Championing Change in Healthcare

Nurses are often hailed as heroes, especially in light of their incredible efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. But heroism in nursing goes far beyond frontline battles against illness; it encompasses a commitment to advocacy, social justice, and ethical care. In this episode, we delve into the multifaceted role of nurses as advocates and leaders, exploring the challenges they face and their unwavering dedication to improving healthcare for all.


At its core, nursing is about more than just providing care; it’s about advocating for patients on an individual level and working tirelessly for broader systemic change. Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring equitable access to healthcare, advocating for patient rights, and tackling workplace issues such as safe staffing. They engage in policy change and quality improvement, leveraging their university education and clinical expertise to optimize health outcomes for diverse populations.


The Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) outlines a code of ethics that guides nursing practice. This code emphasizes principles like autonomy, beneficence, justice, and non-maleficence. According to the CNA, the foundational ethics of our profession include:


  1. Providing Safe, Compassionate, Competent, and Ethical Care

  2. Promoting Health and Well-Being

  3. Promoting and Respecting Informed Decision-Making

  4. Honoring Dignity

  5. Maintaining Privacy and Confidentiality

  6. Promoting Justice

  7. Being Accountable





These principles are not merely suggestions; they are integral to the nursing profession and serve as a foundation for activism within the field. Advocating for patients and communities requires a commitment to ethical action and social justice.


However, the path of advocacy can be fraught with challenges. Nurses often find themselves navigating morally distressing situations, especially when healthcare goals promoting well-being clash with political rhetoric or public opinion. Being a leader and an activist can feel isolating, particularly in controversial areas such as harm reduction. Despite these challenges, nurses remain strong and resolute in their mission to promote health equity.


Throughout history, nurses have led the charge for social justice in healthcare. The AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 1990s saw nurses advocate fiercely for patients when stigma and misinformation prevailed. Similarly, the fight for abortion rights has seen nurses step forward as critical voices in the push for reproductive health access. The COVID-19 pandemic further spotlighted the essential role of nurses as healthcare leaders, reinforcing their position at the forefront of social justice issues.


In the latest episode of The Shift Change Podcast, we’re thrilled to discuss these themes with Corey Ranger, an RN and prominent nurse leader in the field of harm reduction. Corey’s experiences and insights will provide valuable perspectives on the intersection of nursing, activism, and leadership.

As we continue our journey through this complex landscape, we invite you to join us in reflecting on the essential role nurses play in advocating for change. Together, we can empower one another and work towards a healthcare system that truly serves all individuals.


Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The Shift Change Podcast. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Corey Ranger, and we look forward to exploring more important topics in future episodes!



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