Diversity in Nursing leadership is essential for delivering equitable, culturally competent care and fostering innovation within healthcare systems. As the U.S. population becomes increasingly diverse, it is imperative Nurse leadership reflects this diversity to effectively address health disparities and improve patient outcomes.
Traditionally, diversity is spoken about in terms of racial differences. But health systems are expanding the way they approach diversity, especially in Nurse leadership.
Christine Alexander, MD, President and CEO of MetroHealth, told Becker’s, "When we think about diverse Nursing, it’s about veterans, people with injuries or disabilities, and those from all backgrounds."
Implement Inclusive Recruitment Practices
To cultivate a diverse leadership team, healthcare organizations should implement structured and unbiased recruitment processes. This involves establishing diverse hiring committees, crafting inclusive job descriptions, and employing recruitment strategies designed to reduce unconscious bias. Collaborating with professional Nursing associations and educational institutions can further assist in recruiting candidates from different backgrounds.
Kevin Zeng, MSN, RN, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President at Albany (N.Y.) Medical Center believes increasing diversity means real diversity in thought and problem solving and that starts during the hiring process.
According to Becker's, Mr. Zeng asks specific questions about problem solving and how the candidate reached their conclusion.“I don’t need to agree with their method or even the result, but I do want to see that their thinking is structured and distinct,” he said.
Establish Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs
Mentorship serves as an influential mechanism for empowering Nurses from all backgrounds to aspire to be in leadership positions. By offering guidance, support, and avenues for professional growth, mentors play a major role in bridging the gap between potential and achievement. An effective mentorship program can amplify the voices and career trajectories of underrepresented Nurses, ensuring they are well-prepared for leadership opportunities.
Foster an Inclusive Workplace Culture
Establishing an inclusive workplace culture is key for the retention and success of diverse leaders. This can be achieved by encouraging open communication, offering diversity training or Unconscious Bias (UB) training, and forming employee resource groups.
A Harvard Business Review article discussed the effects of Unconscious Bias Training stating, "In a study we conducted at a pharmaceutical company, the results of two surveys we did, and the work of other scholars, we see the positive impact UB training has. Not only do employees report heightened awareness of bias, but they also show less bias and prejudice weeks after the training. They start finding the workplace to be more inclusive—somewhere that differences are cherished rather than tolerated. And women, people of color, and people with disabilities report feeling a greater sense of belonging and respect for their contributions."
Implementing inclusive policies and practices, such as flexible work arrangements and comprehensive benefits, further enhances a supportive environment. It is important for leaders to exemplify inclusive behaviors and show both themselves and their teams are accountable for maintaining these values.
Engage in Community Outreach
Healthcare organizations can facilitate more meaningful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) solutions through community outreach. By partnering with local schools, universities, and community centers, Nurse leaders and community members gain a deeper understanding of the trust between patient and caregiver necessary to provide high-quality care.
According to the American Nurses Association, community members will be more likely to engage in local events and services such as health screenings and vaccination clinics when they feel part of an inclusive health care system that understands their unique perspective.
Such outreach also creates future candidate pools by attracting and developing diverse talent within the community.
Advocate for Policy Changes
Advocacy also plays a role in promoting diversity within Nursing leadership. By pushing for policy changes that address systemic barriers and promote equity, Nursing advocates can help create a more diverse leadership landscape. Through sustained advocacy efforts, the Nursing profession can implement effective strategies to increase diversity in leadership positions.
Advancing diverse Nurse leadership requires a multifaceted approach that includes inclusive recruitment, mentorship, fostering an inclusive culture, community engagement, and advocacy. By implementing these strategies, healthcare organizations can create a leadership team that reflects the diverse populations they serve, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.
