1005 - Death by a Thousand Nicks: Confronting Racism in Nursing Education

Racism in nursing education has a negative impact on the academic progression of historically excluded students. Faculty can unknowingly perpetuate microaggressions that affect this population and hinder their academic success. This presentation will utilize a case study approach to provide faculty with evidence-based strategies to create a more inclusive environment.

There is an underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic nurses in the United States (US). As of 2015, the ethnic composition of the US was 17.8% Hispanic and 13.3% Black while only 5.3%% of the nursing workforce is Hispanic /Latino and 6.2% Black American / African – American. Furthermore, the population is becoming increasingly diverse. By the year 2043, for example, ethnic minorities will make up over half of the population. These changing demographics warrant an equally diverse population of healthcare providers to care for them.

According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), inclusion in nursing education is critical to producing a nursing workforce who can meet the needs of a growing population. Furthermore, an inclusive environment has been suggested to improve attrition rates in historically excluded student populations, in turn increasing the diversity of the nursing workforce. Vital to this process is first confronting the collective impact of racism and oppression on nursing education.

This presentation will provide faculty with current best practices that can help them create a more inclusive environment. Faculty will learn strategies to better support and engage with historically excluded student populations to ensure their academic success and improve attrition. Part inspirational, part informative, this presentation will reenergize faculty and inspire them to confront their biases to better meet the needs of their students.