Oppression: A Concept Analysis and Implications for Nurses and Nursing

PURPOSE: To synthesize the literature's discussions on oppression and to explore its implications for nurses and nursing. SOURCE: Published literature. CONCLUSION: Oppression requires a set of norms that are determined by a dominant group and a belief of the inferiority of those outside the dominant group. The attributes of oppression are unjust treatment, the denial of rights, and the dehumanizing of individuals. Nurses and the nursing profession both work with oppressed groups and are themselves an oppressed group. By helping their oppressed and vulnerable patients resist the status quo, nurses will begin resisting their own oppressed environment, which will eventually lead to freedom for their patients and themselves.