Can society take God's place--a reflection on Nursing's Social Policy.
OBJECTIVE
This article is an opinion on the strength of and issues related to applying nursing's social contract.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this article is to promote discussion on the implications, use, and knowledge of nursing's social contract in a volatile healthcare environment. SOURCE(S) OF INFORMATION: This article is based on the author's opinions and Nursing's Social Policy Statement (2nd ed.) (ANA, 2003).


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses today need to understand the history and current implications of nursing's social contract to meet society's expectations of the nursing profession.
Boxer
Bruce Alan
BA
South Jersey Healthcare, Vineland, NJ, USA. bruceboxer@ymail.com
D000533:Altruism; D002321:Career Choice; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009729:Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010687:Philosophy, Nursing; D011640:Public Policy; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D035621:Secularism; D012922:Social Change; D012938:Social Perception; D012941:Social Responsibility; D012945:Social Values