Challenges Faced by Black Nurses in the Profession: A Conversation With an Advocate
Black nurses have a long history in the healthcare industry, but significant challenges persist in the workplace. In honor of Black History Month, we delve into the history of minority nursing education and the ongoing struggles faced by Black nurses. Sojourner Truth, a renowned abolitionist, was not only an advocate for freedom but also for nursing education.
The first licensed Black nurse in the United States emerged in the 19th century. Mary Eliza Mahoney became a nurse in 1879 after working as a janitor and cook at a New England hospital.
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Although these pioneers paved the way for Black nurses, the journey is far from complete. Minorities account for only 19.2% of registered nurses (RNs), and Black nurses constitute merely 6.2% of the nursing workforce, despite comprising 12.7% of the U.S. population in 2017.
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Education is a possible solution to address these disparities, but obstacles persist. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nurses, only about 34.2% of nursing students in baccalaureate programs are from minority backgrounds.
Moreover, the representation of diverse teaching staff remains an issue. In the 1950s, Betty Smith Williams became the first Black nursing educator in California. Today, a study in Nursing Outlook revealed that nursing faculty of color struggle with low retention rates.
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For Black History Month, an occasion to reflect on nursing education’s impact on enhancing diversity, Jamil Norman, RN and devoted advocate for diversity in nursing and nursing education, engaged in a conversation with NurseJournal. She addresses the potential that education offers, as well as the challenges and insights Black nurses encounter in the field.
A Conversation with Jamil Norman, Ph.D., RN, CNE
Why is it vital to witness diversity within nursing and nursing education systems?
The healthcare field serves a diverse population, demanding representation of all the cultures it caters to. In healthcare, we must consider gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other factors to holistically care for patients.
Diversity matters in nursing because nurses interact with individuals from various cultures. In nursing education, students should learn from a diverse faculty. A diverse faculty can educate future nurses about healthcare disparities impacting minority communities. This knowledge will shape their practice and influence patient care.
What are the primary challenges faced by Black nurses in the profession?
Unfortunately, racism is the foremost challenge Black nurses encounter. Workplace discrimination and patient mistreatment still persist. Black nurses face difficulties in advancing to leadership roles, often linked to racism.
How does diversity within nursing affect Black communities?
Historical mistrust exists between the Black community and the healthcare system. Rebuilding this trust necessitates greater representation of Black and minority healthcare professionals. Patients prefer providers they can relate to and communicate with easily.
What factors can enhance diversity in nursing and nursing education? How can nursing programs and the profession promote diversity in recruitment?
To enhance diversity, we must be intentional. Healthcare systems and universities should actively seek out minorities. Recruiting candidates from historically Black colleges and universities exemplifies intentionality.
For instance, Walden University offers the Postdoctoral Teaching and Research Fellowship for Diversity and Inclusion. This program mentors recent diverse doctoral graduates, providing teaching, professional development, and research experience for faculty positions. It directly contributes to diversifying faculty.
Black nurses can inspire others to pursue nursing education and guide fellow nurses toward higher education. We need to become educators, clinicians, and practitioners, serving as role models for young Black nursing students.
What lessons can we learn from pioneering Black nurses?
Pioneering Black nurses teach us about perseverance, persistence, and purpose. They fought to receive recognition and education to serve their community. Despite challenges, they recognized their impact and persevered.
Sojourner Truth, known as an abolitionist, was also a nurse who promoted nursing education. Similarly, Betty Smith advocated for nursing education and became California’s first Black nursing educator.
Their contributions paved the way for nurses like me to become educators. However, our journey toward diversity, equity, and inclusion continues. As pioneers did in the past, we must persistently strive for a diverse future.
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