Dialogue Reflection on: A Commitment to Diversity in Nursing and Nursing Education

Dialogue

Reflection on: A Commitment to Diversity in
Nursing and Nursing Education
Submitted by: Anna Gryczman, DNP, RN, AHN-BC, CNE
Date Submitted: March 20, 2013

Dear NLN,Whenever diversity is mentioned in a public arena all that is talked about are racial and ethnic categories such as: African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and American Indians; excluding the white European immigrants that came form Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Romania or other European countries. Not often their hardship is being considered nor is it ever mentioned in "ethnic minority" conversations. Many of us come to the U.S. not knowing English language and barely escaped poverty. Many of us are first generation of college graduates. So please dont exclude us for "ethnically diverse minorities". Yes, we are white but make no mistake we endured our share of discrimination, injustice and exclusion. It is time we start to look at ONE HUMAN RACE and treat each other with respect and dignity, giving all the same chance, support, and recognition. Respectfully,NLN member

Reflection on: A Commitment to Diversity in
Nursing and Nursing Education
Submitted by: David Becker, MS, RN, CNE
Date Submitted: September 18, 2011

As I prepare for my visit to Orlando and the NLN summit I am compelled to consider why I have chosen to travel to Florida and whether I can see myself returning there in the next few years given that states legal discrimination against me and my family.

I very much appreciate the NLNs stated commitment to diversity. I share the value and want to point out an opportunity for NLN to do a better job at living up to that commitment. In 2014, 2015 and 2016 the NLN has schedule that Summit in states that have gone out of their way to foster discrimination and animus towards GLBT people. That makes participation by GLBT members difficult, perhaps even dangerous. In the future, all NLN meeting arrangements should take into account the climate for our LGBT colleagues.

I dont know when Id say that GLBT rights have reached a tipping point its clear to me thats already passed. Not long ago, NLN would not have had much in the way of choice in the matter. In 2011 however, there are many places where GLBT people feel safe and welcome and which would be suitable for the Summit.

Progressive theologians, along with academic and legal authorities have established the foundations for ending discrimination against LGBT people. Rational arguments for discrimination are exhausted. All that remain is animus and animus is what must be recognized in those states that have established discrimination in their constitutions.

As a gay person no longer have to be exposed to bigotry and hatred unless I choose to be. Ive left behind that time in my life where we put up with or accept being treated as less than equal. That makes it very hard for me to travel someplace where gay people are singled out in the state constitution as a class that does not deserve the rights granted to other people. The NLN is scheduled to hold its summit in three states that are among those with constitutional amendments against gay marriage. I dont want to return to any state like that. Please dont make me choose to miss the Summit to avoid being exposed to discrimination. If you cant imagine it happening, let me describe a scenario. If I travelled to Nevada and was hospitalized, Id have to depend upon an obscure Medicare regulation requiring that hospital recognize my husbands rights in a culture of animus and hostility towards LGBT people. I would not consider taking him with me as some NLN members can when they travel to summit.

I recognize that summit arrangement are made far in advance. I do hope in the future that the NLN will take into consideration the gay lesbian bisexual and transgendered members who will be disadvantaged or perhaps even endangered by traveling to places like Arizona, Nevada or Florida.

I look forward to the DC and Anaheim summits. Beyond that, I will feel real conflict. I hope that NLN does not choose to continue to go to places where gay people meet such discrimination. There are better choices for us in 2011.

Reflection on: A Commitment to Diversity in
Nursing and Nursing Education
Submitted by: Debra S. McKinney, MSN, MBA/HCM, RN
Date Submitted: October 25, 2009

I think it is important that, as we consider our commitment to diversity, we not forget the handicapped nurse. I experienced a back injury 10 years ago that made it impossible to stand or walk for more than a few minutes, thereby rendering clinical practice impossible.

I always wanted to teach nursing so I obtained advanced degrees and am currently pursing a doctorate in education. However, I find it almost impossible to find an instructors position because I cannot teach in the clinical area and require a classroom position.

I am currently teaching online because local nursing programs mandate clinical instructing before being allowed to teach in the classroom. Despite my proven experience and expertise teaching student nurses, published textbooks, and ongoing education I feel I have been under utilized and under appreciated.

In times of great faculty shortages, I beg you not to forget the handicapped nurse who has much to share and can make a positive contribution to your facility.

Reflection on: A Commitment to Diversity in
Nursing and Nursing Education
Submitted by: Stephanie J. Wroten, MS, RN
Date Submitted: September 30, 2009

Retention of minority student populations across nursing programs remains an ongoing problem. Many diverse students have foundation learning gaps issues in math, reading comprehension, academic organization, informantion technology and study skills. These deficits leave these students at risk for academic failure. How do we bridge the gap? It is imperative that we increase the number of diverse Nurse Educators to serve as menotrs to minority students. It is essential that we level the playing field by creating academic enrichment resources to build our "at risk" student populations. These issues are cyclical in curing health care disparities. Diversity in the nursing workforce will continue to suffer if we are unable to retain and graduate minority nursing students. I am personally committed to continued research to address these issues. As an African American Nurse Educator, I have experienced first hand workplace inequities that have left me often disappointed. Feeling this way has provided me with a heightened awareness of the fustrations that many minority students may face in majority academic settings. Academic enviroments that magnify inclusion for both minority faculty and students is the place to start. There is no compromise in this matter.

Reflection on: A Commitment to Diversity in
Nursing and Nursing Education
Submitted by: JoAnn Mulready-Shick, EdD, RN, CNE
Date Submitted: July 13, 2009

Hello-I share some of your thoughts. I recently completed my dissertation on the Experiences of Nursing Students as English language learners. Concerns related to experiencing monocultural and unwelcoming environments did surface which may have contributed to thwarted learning and lack of progress. Suggestions for creating inclusive classroom practices are included and may be helpful in your inquiry. We will have opportunities to continue this dialogue at the NLN Educ Summit in Sept 2009, too.

Reflection on: A Commitment to Diversity in
Nursing and Nursing Education
Submitted by: Aubray Orduna, MSN, ABD
Date Submitted: April 25, 2009

I appreciate this reflection and dialogue. I am presently conducting a qualitative research study for my dissertation on the experiences of African Americans in Nursing Education. As a minority nurse, nurse educator and nursing education administrator I am witnessing first hand some of the difficulties African Americans experience. I am aware of the disparately low graduation rates compared with those of White students. I hope my research will be of some value to the profession and add some knowledge concerning this topic. I would appreciate any comments anyone may have that might contribute to my research and/or my awareness of this topic.