The Need for Increased Diversity in the Nursing Profession

Jada Walker

Abstract:
Despite increasing diversity in the general population, diversity in the nursing profession has not followed suit. Patients of color do not see congruence with their caregivers, thus possibly making it difficult for patients to communicate with and trust their nurses. This is not an issue that is new, it is something that is rooted into the practice of nursing and it needs to be addressed. It is important for underrepresented populations to have nurses that look like them. These patient populations suffer from poor health outcomes and poor health literacy because of various environmental and social barriers to health. These are similar to barriers that the diverse students pursuing nursing education are facing. It is vital that nursing professionals and programs work together to eliminate barriers that create obstacles for minorities in healthcare fields. The lack of minority mentors, familial obligations, and secondary education that did not prepare students for the rigor of nursing school become barriers to successful nursing education. Without extra measures to support these students, it is more difficult for them to remain in school and graduate. Nursing professionals and schools of nursing need to employ strategies to enroll, support, and retain minority students.