Date of Award

Winter 12-5-2008

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Susan K Nash

Abstract

This is the time for nurses as individuals and collectively as a profession to realize their obligation to society in regards to the injury and death caused by firearms. Not one population or single community is immune from gun violence in America; it is an epidemic that does not discriminate. There are monumental implications for both nurses in practice and leadership to make a difference when it comes to changing policy from a public health perspective to reduce gun violence and save lives. In this project, Margaret Newman's (1994) theory of Health as Expanding consciousness is applied to the role of the nurse as leader related to the public's role in gun safety and legislation to protect the fundamental rights of children; their right to life. The project includes the design of language to strengthen child access prevention (CAP) laws in Minnesota to address the safe handling and storage of firearms in the home with children and adolescents, through dialogue with key legislators and interested parties, ultimately, with an outcome to reduce unintentional death and suicide by firearms of children and teenagers in communities throughout Minnesota.

Identifier

SC 11.MAN.2008.Benz.JM

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