Hispanic and Latino/a Nurses You Should Know About
This article highlights Hispanic and Latino/a nurses who are deeply committed to inspiring their communities to pursue nursing careers and improving healthcare accessibility.
According to a 2020 survey, 5.6% of registered nurses identified as Hispanic or Latino/a, a slight increase from 2017.
However, despite this growth, proportional representation in the nursing workforce remains inadequate when compared to the overall U.S. population.
Many influential Hispanic and Latino/a nurses actively mentor and support the Latino/a nursing community, guiding the next generation of nurses. Their contributions are shaping the future of nursing by addressing health disparities in Latino/a communities and advocating for Latino/a healthcare access. These nurses also emphasize the importance of nursing education and mentorship in fostering leadership in the profession.
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Notable figures include the founder of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) and a nurse who created a platform for Latina nurses. These individuals, along with other featured nurses, are working tirelessly to empower fellow nurses and bring about positive change in healthcare, particularly in the realm of nursing leadership diversity. Their efforts highlight the growing need for diversity in nursing and more culturally competent nursing practices that reflect the diverse populations served.
Supporting Latino/a Nurses Through Hispanic Nursing Organizations
Hispanic nursing associations, such as NAHN, play a crucial role in supporting Latino/a nurses. NAHN recognizes that socio-economic factors, including financial and systemic barriers, contribute to attrition among Hispanic nursing students and faculty. To combat this, NAHN provides resources for nursing mentorship programs and offers high school students guidance on prerequisite nursing courses. Through these efforts, NAHN is working to build a stronger, more supportive network for Latino/a healthcare professionals.
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Additionally, NAHN operates its Mentors Connection program, which pairs aspiring nurses with experienced mentors who offer invaluable support and guidance. This program is essential in promoting diversity in nursing by ensuring that Latino/a nurses’ role in public health and healthcare workforce diversity continue to grow. The goal is to increase the percentage of Hispanic nurses in the U.S. to 18.5%, aligning more closely with the current Hispanic and Latino/a population.
The Significance of Mentorship for Hispanic and Latino/a Nurses
Mentorship is a key factor in the success of Latino/a nurses. NAHN is committed to raising awareness about the benefits of mentorship, which helps individuals navigate the challenges they face in nursing education and the healthcare system. Nursing mentorship programs are vital for fostering leadership, providing emotional support, and ensuring that nurses from diverse backgrounds can advance in their careers. For many Hispanic and Latino/a nurses, mentorship is the pathway to increasing their involvement in leadership roles and advancing health equity in underserved communities.
Noteworthy Hispanic and Latino/a Nurses
NAHN regularly profiles Hispanic and Latino/a nurses who have made significant contributions to nursing and public health. Below are profiles of a few influential nurses who are advancing the field:
- Ildaura Murillo-Rohde, Ph.D., R.N., FAAN:
Dr. Murillo-Rohde moved from Panama to Texas in 1945 and became a nurse educator after recognizing the lack of Hispanic nurses. She earned degrees from Columbia University and New York University and played a pivotal role in founding NAHN in 1975 to enhance Latino/a nursing advocacy and education. Her work continues to inspire future generations of nurses to embrace their cultural heritage and contribute to healthcare reform. - Hector Hugo Gonzalez, Ph.D., VR-RN:
Dr. Gonzalez became the first Mexican-American nurse to earn a doctorate in 1974. He was also the first Hispanic district president of the Texas Nursing Association. His contributions helped underrepresented communities gain access to nursing education and mentorship, ensuring greater Latino/a representation in nursing leadership and improving Latino/a healthcare access. - Henrieta Villaescusa, MPH, RN:
Villaescusa dedicated her career to improving healthcare opportunities for women and Hispanics. She became the first Hispanic nurse appointed as Health Administrator for the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Her work laid the foundation for initiatives that continue to support healthcare workforce diversity and culturally competent care in public health. - Hilda Ortiz-Morales, NPcs, Ph.D., AAHIVS:
Ortiz-Morales is known for her innovative work in providing care to HIV patients at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. Her patients are predominantly Hispanic and African American, many of whom rely on Medicaid or Medicare. As an adjunct professor, she is dedicated to educating the next generation of nurses on issues of health disparities in Latino/a communities and culturally competent nursing. - Elizabeth Aquino, Ph.D., RN:
Aquino is a surgical-trauma intensive care nurse and associate professor at DePaul University in Chicago. She has been president of the American Nurses Association-Illinois, treasurer of NAHN, and president of the NAHN-Illinois Chapter. Aquino is a fierce advocate for Latino/a nurses’ role in public health and provides mentorship for Latina nurses, helping them navigate the complexities of healthcare systems. - Martha Salmon, RN:
Salmon is a passionate advocate for Latina nurses, sharing her journey to inspire other Latinas to pursue healthcare careers. She founded Latina, RN, an initiative that encourages Latinas to embrace their cultural heritage while advancing in nursing education and leadership. Her work helps bridge the gap between nursing education and mentorship and provides essential support for Latino/a healthcare professionals. - Adriana Perez, Ph.D., CRNP, ANP-BC, FAAN, FGSA:
Dr. Perez is an assistant professor who developed a culturally-tailored community-based exercise intervention for older Latinas. Her work integrates health education and healthcare access, addressing the unique needs of the Latino/a community. As a NAHN member, Dr. Perez is an advocate for increasing Latino/a representation in nursing leadership and works to promote diversity in nursing.
The Importance of Culturally Competent Care in Nursing
Culturally competent nursing is essential in providing high-quality care to diverse populations. Hispanic and Latino/a nurses bring unique perspectives to the healthcare system, advocating for policies and practices that cater to the cultural needs of patients. By focusing on Latino/a health professionals in the U.S., these nurses ensure that underserved communities receive the attention and care they deserve. Emphasizing culturally competent care not only improves patient outcomes but also fosters trust between patients and healthcare providers.
Increasing Latino/a Representation in Nursing Leadership
As the U.S. population continues to diversify, it is crucial to increase the representation of Latino/a nurses in leadership positions. Nurses who share cultural and linguistic ties to the communities they serve are better equipped to address healthcare disparities. By encouraging Latino/a nurses’ role in public health, organizations like NAHN aim to create pathways for more Hispanic and Latino/a nurses to enter leadership roles, thereby contributing to more inclusive and effective healthcare systems.
Addressing Health Disparities Through Hispanic Nurses
Hispanic and Latino/a nurses are at the forefront of addressing health disparities in Latino/a communities. They are committed to reducing barriers to healthcare access and improving the quality of care for underserved populations. Through their advocacy, mentorship, and leadership, these nurses are driving systemic change and ensuring that healthcare workforce diversity becomes a priority in nursing education and practice.
By amplifying the voices and contributions of Hispanic nurses’ impact on healthcare, we can create a more equitable healthcare system that reflects the diverse needs of the American population.
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