Careers in Social Justice

[Tiffany Pearson]

I'm interested in social justice, activism, anti-discrimination, healthcare focused on marginalized communities (I.e. LGBTQ or BIPOC communities or work with reproductive health)  and health and social equity. I wanted to request suggestions for careers in nursing that allow nurses to work in those fields. I'm open to and appreciate any suggestions for career ideas. 

[toomuchbaloney]

In my lifetime I worked for both FQHC and migrant agricultural health outreach. Both offered opportunities for activism and advocacy for vulnerable and marginalized people in the USA.

[Tiffany Pearson]

Hi toomuchbaloney,

What is your role called in the organization and how did you get into that role?

[toomuchbaloney]

I'm now retired.  

I did a variety of things in those settings but I worked in vaccine advocacy and helped with reproductive health services and advocacy.  

We (the staff) provided the care while also participating in grant writing, collaboration with state and federal agencies and widespread networking to facilitate positive change.  We organized and held public health related events with money that we raised. 

[jobellestarr]

I lived on the Navajo reservation for many years and worked as a nurse. A public health nurse would be fit what you’re talking about. Also, interesting is that LBGTQ people are called two spirit and are well accepted in the community. You can check out https://www.ihs.gov 

This was the best thing I did for myself. Respect from management, staff and patients and families. This was how I survived the last 20 years in nursing. 

[toomuchbaloney]

How did I get into advocacy roles?

First, I left the urban acute care hospital environment and convinced a FQHC that I indeed was interested in accepting their open position at a significant paycut.  I had to change the perspective for them because I wasn't over qualified, I was a great investment making an intentional life/career change.  I volunteered and developed a network of sorts.  That put me in positions to be considered for workgroup memberships in state and even national initiatives that involved the health issues common in the vulnerable populations that I served.  

That was a very fulfilling middle portion of my career. It grew me as a professional and allowed our young family a solid foundation untouched by the demands of critical care. Even after I moved on, changed locations and specialty (again), I was hired by a previous contact to consult with them on an issue. 

Good luck to you.