derstand the many facets of racism and practice with an equity mindset . I believe that proper education and training helps bridge the gaps between people from different backgrounds . With diversity , equity , and inclusion ( DEI ) education under fire in many states , it ’ s crucial to discuss why antiracist education that promotes humanism matters and what it looks like .
What Can Antiracist Education Look Like ?
1 . An inclusive curriculum incorporates diverse perspectives and resources that make learning relevant for all . Nursing programs should prioritize textbooks that represent people from minoritized groups and examine how structural racism impacts health outcomes and contributes to healthcare disparities . Curricula should discuss systemic racism and its implications , such as the act of healthcare professionals historically withholding pain medication from Black patients due to racist , dangerous beliefs that people who identify as Black or African American have deeper pain receptors and are less sensitive to pain .
2 . Culturally responsive teaching acknowledges and respects students ’ diverse cultural backgrounds , experiences , and perspectives . It aims to create inclusive learning environments that honor and embrace the cultural identities of all students , fostering engagement and learning . This type of teaching encourages students to delve deeper into the social determinants of health to fully understand why patient populations may experience different health outcomes .
3 . Training to understand unconscious bias helps nursing students identify potential prejudices and recognize if they are subconsciously treating others differently , or making unfair assumptions based on stereotypes . For example , this training can help future nurse managers avoid assigning the most difficult patients to nurses from minoritized groups or stop a nurse from giving preferential treatment to a patient who shares the same race or ethnicity .
4 . Active allyship teaches nursing students and educators to use their actions and behaviors to support others . Allyship , which is meant for all individuals in positions of power , plays a major role in improving nursing culture , care , and systemic practices that have historically minimized the efforts of marginalized groups . The Commission and ANA created an allyship self-assessment tool ( ANA , 2022 ) that nursing students , nurses , and nurse leaders can use to assess where they currently are on their allyship journey .
We are at a pivotal moment in history when nursing schools must update curricula to reflect the real issues facing the profession . Racism and social injustices are ingrained in our healthcare system , but I believe in the power educators have in fostering highly skilled , culturally responsible nurses who seek to advance humanism in healthcare .
By embracing and teaching students about healthcare disparities , unconscious biases , and DEI topics , nurses will be better equipped to rise above the racism in nursing . They will know how to embrace differences professionally , respectfully , and thoughtfully , while upholding the Code of Ethics that is the north star of our profession .
References
National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing . ( 2021 ). Racism in Nursing Survey . [ 2022 Survey Shows Substantial Racism in Nursing | ANA ( nursingworld . org )]
ANA . ( 2022 ). Actionable Allyship Self-Assessment Tool . https :// www . nursingworld . org /~ 4a9015 / globalassets / practiceandpolicy / workforce / commission-to-addressracism / ana-allyship-self-assesmentform . pdf
Bio
Kenya Beard , EdD , AGACNP , CNE , ANEF , FAAN , is the inaugural dean of the School of Nursing at Mercy University in New York . She is an individual commissioner on the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing .
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