DiversityNursing Blog

As Nurses, our commitment is unwavering: to provide the highest quality care to every patient who walks through our doors. This isn't a selective promise; it's the very foundation of our profession. So, when I hear whispers of healthcare institutions reconsidering their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in response to the shifting political landscape, a deep concern settles within me. Now, more than ever, we must amplify why DEI isn't a trendy buzzword, but a critical imperative for the health and well-being of our communities.

Let's be clear: healthcare disparities are not abstract concepts; they are stark realities with tangible, often devastating consequences. We see them in the higher rates of chronic diseases among marginalized populations, the delayed diagnoses stemming from implicit bias, and the lack of culturally competent care that leaves patients feeling misunderstood and underserved. Ignoring DEI won't make these disparities vanish; it will only allow them to fester and widen.   

Think about it from a practical standpoint. Our patient populations are becoming increasingly diverse. How can we, as healthcare professionals, effectively care for individuals whose backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences differ vastly from our own without actively cultivating cultural humility and understanding? DEI initiatives provide the framework for this crucial learning and growth. They equip us with the tools to communicate effectively across cultures, to recognize and address our own unconscious biases, and to tailor care in a way that respects individual needs and preferences.   

Consider the impact on patient trust. When patients feel seen, heard, and respected by their healthcare providers, they are more likely to engage in their care, adhere to treatment plans, and ultimately experience better health outcomes. Conversely, a lack of cultural sensitivity can lead to mistrust, poor communication, and a reluctance to seek necessary medical attention. Can we, in good conscience, allow such barriers to exist?   

Furthermore, DEI initiatives foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment for healthcare professionals. When individuals from diverse backgrounds feel valued, respected, and empowered, they are more likely to thrive, contribute their unique perspectives, and remain within the healthcare system. This is particularly vital at a time when we are facing critical staffing shortages. A diverse and engaged workforce brings a wider range of skills, experiences, and problem-solving approaches to the table, ultimately enriching the quality of care we provide.   

Also DEI within Schools of Nursing cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to educating future Nurses about the varied populations they will serve. The fabric of the US population is rich with differences, encompassing a broad spectrum of backgrounds. Beyond race and ethnicity, our communities include individuals from the LGBTQ+ community, a significant veteran population, and those adhering to a multitude of religious and cultural beliefs. Each of these groups presents unique healthcare needs, perspectives, and potential barriers to care that future Nurses must be equipped to understand and address.

Integrating DEI principles into Nursing curricula fosters empathy and cultivates culturally competent care. Nurse Educators are tasked with instilling in their students the understanding that healthcare is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. For instance, religious beliefs can influence medical decisions, while cultural practices may impact dietary restrictions or end-of-life care preferences. Similarly, understanding the specific health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community or the unique needs of veterans with service-related injuries or PTSD is crucial for providing holistic and effective care. As the world continues to evolve and become more interconnected, it is imperative for Nurse Educators to embrace this reality and convey its profound implications to their students, ensuring the next generation of Nurses is prepared to deliver compassionate, equitable, and effective care to all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.

Some might argue that focusing on DEI distracts from the core mission of providing quality care. I would argue the opposite. DEI is integral to providing quality care for all. It’s about dismantling systemic barriers that prevent equitable access and outcomes. It’s about creating a healthcare system that truly serves everyone, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other dimension of diversity.   

As Nurses, we are advocates for our patients. We are their voice when they are vulnerable. We cannot afford to be silent on this issue. We must actively champion DEI initiatives within our institutions, reminding leadership that these are not expendable luxuries but essential investments in the health and well-being of our communities.

Stepping back from DEI is not a neutral act; it is a step backward in our commitment to equitable and high-quality care. Let us stand firm in our conviction that every patient deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and understanding. Let us continue to build healthcare systems where diversity is celebrated, equity is the standard, and inclusion is the reality. Our patients – and our profession – deserve nothing less.

Despite the clear benefits of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare, recent political opposition has posed significant challenges. The term “DEI” has come under scrutiny, with some political leaders arguing against these initiatives, often framing them as unnecessary or divisive. This pushback has resulted in reduced funding for DEI programs and even bans on diversity training in some institutions.

These setbacks should not deter healthcare professionals from continuing to advocate for inclusivity. Nurses, as frontline caregivers, have a unique opportunity to lead the charge in pushing for policies and practices that promote equitable care. Whether through mentorship programs, policy advocacy, or cultural competency training, Nurses play a pivotal role in ensuring DEI efforts remain strong and impactful.

People desire healthcare that is based on compassion and respect. Research shows greater diversity among Doctors improves health outcomes for people of color, disabled people, women, LGBTQIA+ patients, and others whose identities have long been underrepresented in the healthcare field.

Additionally, initiatives focused on minimizing racial disparities in healthcare, like those in maternal health and cancer care, result in improved outcomes for all patients. The proof is undeniable, a diverse healthcare workforce and inclusive policies benefit everyone. 

The Future of DEI in Nursing

While the fight for DEI in healthcare faces obstacles, the commitment of Nurses to providing compassionate, equitable care remains unwavering. The Nursing profession is built on principles of advocacy, and now more than ever, Nurses must stand firm in their efforts to create a healthcare system that serves all patients with fairness and dignity.

By continuing to push for DEI initiatives, Nurses not only uphold ethical care standards but also contribute to a healthier, more inclusive society. The journey toward true equity in healthcare is ongoing, and Nurses are at the forefront of making it a reality.

How Nurses Can Advocate for DEI

Nurses can take several actionable steps to advance DEI within their workplaces and beyond:

Educate Yourself and Others – Stay informed about healthcare disparities and the importance of cultural competency. Share knowledge with colleagues and encourage open discussions about inclusivity.

Advocate for Policy Change – Support legislation and hospital policies that promote equity in healthcare access and delivery.

Engage in Mentorship and Representation – Uplift underrepresented voices by mentoring Nursing students and new Nurses from diverse backgrounds.

Foster Inclusive Work Environments – Encourage a culture of respect and understanding in your workplace, ensuring all team members feel valued and heard.

Speak Up for Patients – Recognize and address implicit biases in patient care, guaranteeing every individual receives the high-quality treatment they deserve.

Now is the time to take action because when diversity, equity, and inclusion thrive, so does healthcare.

“A workplace that prioritizes diversity isn’t just thinking about how to include Black and Brown people — it’s also thinking about how to ensure employees with disabilities have equal access to opportunities, how to support working parents, how to create space for LGBTQ+ employees to be themselves, and how to address ageism in hiring and promotions,” said Parker McMullen Bushman, CEO and founder of Ecoinclusive Strategies. “When we embrace diversity, we’re not excluding anyone — we’re actually expanding the table so more people can bring their unique talents and perspectives.”

In the constantly changing landscape of healthcare, Nurses play a vital role as the cornerstone of healthcare systems. They offer essential care, support, and education to patients. It is crucial for the field of Nursing to embrace Diversity, as it not only promotes social justice but also significantly improves quality of care, fosters innovation, and mirrors the diverse communities Nurses serve.

Reflecting the Communities We Serve

One of the primary reasons Diversity is so important in Nursing is it allows the healthcare workforce to better reflect the communities they serve. Patients are more likely to feel comfortable and understood when they see healthcare providers who share their cultural, linguistic, or racial background. This comfort can lead to more effective communication, greater trust, and, ultimately, better health outcomes. When Nurses understand the cultural nuances and unique needs of different patient populations, they can provide more personalized and effective care.

Improving Patient Outcomes

Research has shown, Diversity among healthcare providers can lead to improved patient outcomes. Diverse Nursing teams bring a variety of perspectives and problem-solving skills, which can enhance clinical decision-making and lead to more comprehensive patient care. For instance, Nurses from diverse backgrounds may be more aware of specific health risks and conditions prevalent in certain communities, allowing for earlier detection and intervention. Additionally, patients are more likely to adhere to medical advice and treatment plans when they feel understood and respected by their healthcare providers.

Enhancing Cultural Competence

Cultural competence is essential for providers to deliver services effectively, meeting the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of patients. A diverse Nursing workforce is well-prepared to achieve cultural competence, drawing from a wide range of cultural perspectives and experiences. This competency is vital in reducing health disparities and ensuring equitable care for all patients. It encompasses not only language proficiency but also an understanding of cultural practices, beliefs, and values that influence health and healthcare behaviors.

Fostering Innovation and Creativity

Diversity brings a wealth of ideas and perspectives that can drive innovation and creativity in the practice. When Nurses from different backgrounds come together, they can challenge the status quo and develop new approaches to patient care, healthcare delivery, and Nursing education. This Diversity of thought is particularly important in addressing complex healthcare challenges, such as the social determinants of health, chronic disease management, and the integration of technology in patient care.

Addressing the Nursing Shortage

The Nursing profession is facing a significant shortage, with an aging population and an increasing demand for healthcare services. By promoting Diversity in Nursing, the field can tap into a broader pool of talent and attract individuals from underrepresented groups. This not only helps to fill the gap but also ensures a more robust and resilient healthcare workforce. Encouraging Diversity in Nursing education and recruitment can help create a pipeline of skilled Nurses ready to meet the demands of the future.

Building a More Inclusive Healthcare Environment

A diverse Nursing workforce contributes to a more inclusive and respectful healthcare environment. It sets a standard for inclusion and equity, encouraging other healthcare professionals to value and respect differences. This inclusive culture can improve job satisfaction and retention among Nurses, as they feel valued and supported in their workplace. It can also lead to better teamwork and collaboration, essential components of high-quality patient care.

Diversity in the Nursing field is not just an ideal; it is a necessity for delivering high-quality, equitable healthcare. It enhances patient outcomes, fosters cultural competence, drives innovation, and addresses workforce shortages. By embracing Diversity, the Nursing profession can better serve the needs of all patients, create a more inclusive healthcare environment, and build a stronger, more effective healthcare system. As we move forward, it is imperative Nursing leaders, educators, and policymakers continue to prioritize and promote Diversity in all aspects of the profession.

April is Diversity Month and serves as a vital opportunity to amplify awareness surrounding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, offering a space for meaningful conversations and mutual understanding among Diverse groups.

Promoting Unity and Belonging can also help boost recruitment and retention. In fact, a Glassdoor survey found that 76% of employees and job seekers report that a Diverse workforce is an important factor when evaluating job offers. 

Here are some suggestions on how to celebrate Diversity Month:

Cultural Exchange Discussions 

Host cultural exchange events that allow individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together and share the richness of their cultures through engaging conversations and storytelling. Facilitate discussions centered around Diversity and Inclusion in various settings such as your workplace, school, or community, fostering open dialogue and the sharing of personal experiences.

Educate Yourself

Immerse yourself in the beauty of diverse cultures by delving into various traditions, languages, religions, and customs. Expand your knowledge through reading, language learning, documentary viewing, or attending cultural gatherings to truly embrace the essence of Diversity.

Explore Arts and Media

Experience the magic of cultural performances, art exhibits, or film screenings that highlight the creativity and impact of a diverse array of artists and filmmakers.

Indulge in Food

Organize potluck gatherings where individuals can showcase dishes from their diverse cultural backgrounds, encouraging a shared experience of trying new cuisines and exploring different flavors together. You can also venture out to restaurants to sample and enjoy a variety of international foods.

Support Businesses 

Supporting businesses owned by individuals from diverse backgrounds is crucial for promoting economic equality and fostering an inclusive society. Show support for businesses by shopping at their stores, eating at their restaurants, or using their services.

Volunteer 

By actively volunteering or donating to cultural nonprofits, organizations can preserve and honor diverse cultural heritages, ensuring they are cherished and valued for generations to come.

Promote Inclusivity

Advocate Inclusivity in your workplace, school, or community by backing policies and initiatives that promote Diversity and Equality.

Create a Diversity Calendar

Develop a Diversity calendar highlighting important cultural events, holidays, and observances throughout the year. Use it to plan activities and celebrations. Download our 2024 Cultural Dates Calendar, here! 

Remember, celebrating Diversity is not just a one-time event but a continuous effort to promote Inclusivity, understanding, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their background.

Rather than dismissing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as a passing trend, we should recognize it as a natural progression. In moving forward, we need to elevate our strategies to a more deliberate, purposeful, and impactful approach.

According to the Pew Research Center, a significant number of employees have expressed that DEI initiatives have had a beneficial impact on the workplace. It comes as no surprise that among those highlighting the value of DEI efforts, many belong to marginalized groups who often face challenges in a work environment that overlooks the importance of their diverse experiences in terms of quantity and quality.

The Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp)—in partnership with HR Executive, analyzed data from over 850 respondents in organizations of all sizes, and arrived at a surprising finding, most companies aren’t slowing down their DEI initiatives, despite backlash. 

Research highlights the multitude of benefits diversity brings to organizations, including heightened profitability, enhanced creativity, strengthened governance, and improved problem-solving capabilities. Employees from diverse backgrounds contribute their unique perspectives, ideas, and experiences, ultimately fostering resilient and high-performing organizations that surpass those lacking in diversity investments.

Below we explore different ways of improving DEI efforts in the work place.

Integrate and Align Efforts

Dr. Luthra shares with Forbes that it’s hard to effectively address DEI needs in isolated pockets. It’s interconnected and needs a holistic lens. Emphasizing targets and quotas just pits people against one another. “When DEI is done right, it levels the playing field and there’s room for everyone. But we can’t skip the hard work of dismantling systems that weren’t built for everyone.”

Go Beyond Diverse Hiring

It's important to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging throughout the entire organization. This means creating spaces where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. Implementing mentorship programs, unconscious bias training, and regular DEI education can help to cultivate a more inclusive workplace where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive.

It's essential to address systemic barriers and biases that may exist within company policies and practices to truly create a level playing field for all individuals. By going beyond just meeting hiring quotas and actively promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion, organizations can truly harness the benefits that a diverse workforce brings.

Embedding DEI Throughout The Organization

This requires a comprehensive and sustained effort that goes beyond just surface-level initiatives. It involves weaving DEI principles into the fabric of the organization, from top leadership to every employee at all levels. This means creating a culture where DEI is not just a box to check off, but a fundamental value that guides decision-making, policies, and practices.

To truly embed DEI, organizations must provide ongoing training and education for all employees to increase awareness and understanding of different perspectives and experiences. Leaders should lead by example, actively promoting and advocating for DEI in all aspects of the business. Regularly assessing and evaluating DEI efforts through metrics and feedback mechanisms can help ensure that progress is being made and that any areas needing improvement are identified and addressed promptly.

Utilize Metrics 

By collecting and analyzing data on key performance indicators related to DEI initiatives, such as employee satisfaction, retention rates, promotion rates among underrepresented groups, and diversity in leadership positions, you can effectively measure the success and effectiveness of your efforts. These metrics provide concrete evidence of the positive impact of DEI on the workplace culture, employee engagement, and overall organizational performance. Additionally, sharing these metrics with stakeholders and leadership can help reinforce the importance of DEI and drive continued support and investment in these initiatives. By regularly tracking and reporting on these metrics, you can showcase the tangible benefits of prioritizing diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

According to a Gallup Report, employees that feel connected to the culture are 3.7 times more likely to be engaged at work, 68% less likely to feel burned out and 55% less likely to be looking for work somewhere else. It appears, getting DEI right has benefits for everyone, including the business itself.

DEI is here to stay. Organizations will continue to uncover and address their obstacles to fostering inclusion and workplace equity.

Healthcare organizations and hospitals are making significant investments in initiatives focused on promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in order to cultivate a dynamic and talented workforce for the future.

Johnson & Johnson has put its support behind two pilot programs aimed at setting Nurses up for success on campus and in healthcare settings.

The first program is a year-long leadership initiative developed by the National League for Nursing (NLN), an organization whose mission is to promote an inclusive nursing workforce and support nursing education. The NLN leadership program is designed to help students of color with a smooth transition from their last year of school to their first clinical job.

The second initiative is led by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), which represents more than 865 nursing schools nationwide. The AACN has developed a detailed online survey for student nurses to measure their sense of belonging in classrooms. The goal is to use the survey results to foster a more inclusive and encouraging culture on campuses.

Mass General Brigham and UMass Boston’s Manning College of Nursing and Health Sciences announced an expanded collaboration to enhance the college’s Clinical Leadership Collaborative for Diversity in Nursing program.

With a $20 million investment — $10 million from Mass General Brigham and $10 million from UMass Boston — the goal is to recruit and retain Nursing students from underrepresented communities as they start their clinical rotations. 

“Nurses are fundamental to the delivery of high-quality, compassionate healthcare to our patients,” said Dr. Anne Klibanski, president and CEO of Mass General Brigham. “There is an immense need to increase the pipeline of trained Nurses, with a concerted focus on increasing diversity among our trainees. This initiative is a powerful example of how collaboration can drive change to overcome monumental challenges in a meaningful way.” 

The Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth and University Hospitals officially signed the Impact Workforce Commitment with the overall goal to find new opportunities, maximize the hiring process and train and retain the area's diverse talent.

"Through this partnership with the Healthcare Anchor Network, we literally have committed to walk the talk," said Alan Nevel, Senior Vice President Chief Equity and Community Impact Officer for Metro Health System.

The health system is creating learn-and-earn programs to amplify and support diversity, as well as hosting community health and job fairs year-round.

The United Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of UnitedHealth Group, will invest $100 million over the next decade to drive a more diverse healthcare workforce.

Investing in a diverse workforce has numerous benefits and advantages such as:

Better patient care and outcomes: Diverse healthcare teams can provide more comprehensive and culturally competent care to patients from various backgrounds. When healthcare professionals understand the unique needs and perspectives of their patient populations, they can deliver more effective and personalized treatments, leading to better health outcomes.

“When you’re a Nurse with a diverse background, you are likely to bring a differentiated perspective to patient care," explains Lynda Benton, Senior Director of Global Community Impact Strategic Initiatives of Johnson & Johnson Nursing. "You may have broader and deeper insights into patient beliefs, attitudes, ethnicities and perceptions. When patients see Nurses and other members of the medical team who look like them, it can remove barriers, open up conversations and ultimately improve access to quality care."

Enhanced patient satisfaction: Patients feel more comfortable and valued when they see diversity represented in their healthcare providers. Feeling understood and respected by their healthcare team contributes to higher patient satisfaction and better patient-provider communication.

Reducing health disparities: In many healthcare systems, certain minority groups experience disparities in access to care, treatment options, and health outcomes. By promoting diversity and inclusion, hospitals aim to address these disparities and provide equitable care to all patients.

Attracting and retaining talent: High turnover rates are prevalent in this industry, attributed not only to the demanding workload but also the treatment professionals experience. 

A Rutgers School of Nursing study found 63% of Nurses have experienced racism on the job. More than three-fourths of Black Nurses said racism negatively impacts their professional well-being. 

People are more likely to join and stay in an inclusive organization where they feel accepted, supported, valued, and have equal opportunities for growth and advancement.

Fostering innovation and creativity: A diverse workforce brings together individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, creating a mix of ideas and insights. This diversity of thought can foster a culture of innovation and creativity within healthcare settings, leading to more effective problem-solving and decision-making.

When healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds collaborate, they bring forth a wide range of perspectives and approaches to address complex healthcare challenges. They can draw upon their unique experiences and knowledge to develop innovative strategies and solutions that may not have been considered otherwise.

Reputation and community trust: Healthcare organizations that prioritize diversity and inclusion can build a positive reputation in their communities. Patients and community members are more likely to trust and support organizations that demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity.

Cultural competence and language access: A diverse workforce can help bridge language and cultural barriers between patients and providers. This can improve communication and ensure that patients receive the information and care they need, regardless of their language or cultural background.

Economic benefits: Diverse and inclusive healthcare organizations have been associated with improved financial performance. Studies have shown that companies and institutions with diverse leadership teams tend to outperform their peers financially.

From a health care perspective, lack of equity translates to higher costs. “When we exclude particular populations, decrease access, increase barriers, or provide subpar care, then at the end of the day, those people are going to utilize health care dollars at a much higher rate,” says Mary Fleming, MD, President of the nonprofit Reede Scholars, Inc. and Program Director of the Leadership Development to Advance Equity in Health Care program at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Employee morale and productivity: Inclusive environments not only foster higher employee morale and satisfaction but also have a direct impact on the overall productivity and success of an organization. 

When employees feel supported and included, they are more likely to develop a sense of loyalty towards the organization. They become advocates for the company's mission and values, which can positively impact employee retention and reduce turnover rates.

Additionally, inclusive environments promote effective communication and collaboration among team members. When employees feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions, it leads to open and honest discussions. This fosters a culture of trust and transparency, enabling teams to work together more efficiently and effectively towards shared objectives.

Furthermore, inclusivity promotes diversity in leadership roles. Employees see individuals from diverse backgrounds in positions of authority, and become inspired and motivated to reach their full potential. This representation not only boosts employee morale but also helps to break down barriers and biases, leading to a more inclusive and equitable workplace for everyone.

Compliance and legal requirements: Many countries have laws and regulations that promote diversity and equal opportunity in the workplace. Hospitals and health systems invest in D&I to comply with these legal requirements and create a safe and inclusive environment for their employees.

Overall, investing in DEI is not just a social responsibility but also a strategic decision that can lead to improved patient care, better employee satisfaction, and enhanced organizational performance for health systems and hospitals.

Applying for a new job can be overwhelming and stressful. For candidates with disabilities, the hiring process can be a disheartening experience.  

According to the CDC, one in four adults in the U.S. has a disability; the unemployment rate for that community is double that of non-disabled workers.

Andrea Dalzell can relate to those who face unjust barriers when searching for employment. She is a disability advocate and New York State's first wheelchair-bound Registered Nurse. 

Dalzell fights for those like her, qualified candidates who face discrimination and obstacles when applying for jobs.

Andrea was diagnosed with transverse myelitis when she was 5 years old and using a wheelchair full-time by the age of 12.

Her experiences with Nurses inspired her to become one. She received her Nursing degree from the City University of New York, College of Staten Island.

Even with her Nursing degree it was difficult to find work.

"I once went through 76 clinical Nursing interviews. I was rejected from them all until COVID demanded my help during the peak in NYC. The rejection from ever having a bedside Nursing position was flipped on its head as my wheelchair was seen for what it is: a mobility device", said Dalzell in an American Nurses Association interview. 

Dalzell uses past negative experiences and turns them into a positive, as she can relate to patients who struggle with disabilities, and give them hope. She encourages them to persevere in the face of adversity. 

However, she finds it frustrating that in the field of caring, many still face discrimination.

According to Employee Benefit News, Dalzell said, "We're forgetting that [enabling] technology has advanced so much, and should allow our healing touch and compassion to come into the profession and give hope in a way that is normally not seen. And yet when [people with disabilities] are saying they want to be Nurses or be on a healthcare team, we're saying well, you have a disability — you're not good enough."

Employers need to do more than just talk about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), they need to actually be about it. 

"You cannot tell people you are an equal opportunity employer, tell them to come on in through the door," Andrea says, "but then be unprepared and your doors are not even big enough to accept someone."

"Disability is the fastest- and largest-growing minority in the world. Without disability inclusion, you could very well be limiting opportunities for your future selves," says Dalzell. 

Andrea is a Pioneer and an inspiration to many. In recognition of her achievements, she's earned many spotlights, such as New Mobility’s Person of the Year (2021). She was also one of the inaugural recipients of the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Visionary Prize of $1 million.

Dalzell is still figuring out how she will use the money, but has already started a 501c3 nonprofit foundation called The Seated Position to create awareness around those with disabilities in education and the workforce.

According to New Mobility, Andrea attributes her tenacity to her parents, first-generation immigrants from Guyana, who encouraged hard work and perseverance. “I told Andrea, don’t let anyone ever tell you there is something you can’t do,” says her mother, Sharon Dalzell. “Just look at them straight in the face and say, ‘Watch me.’ As long as you do it in the right way, you’ll reap the benefits in the years to come.”

Andrea knows it’s important for people to see someone like her — a black, disabled woman — out in the world, making a life for herself and changing the lives of others. 

You can follow Dalzell on Instagram @theseatedNurse where she posts her everyday life along with great motivational content. Also check out her website theseatednurse.com to learn more! 

Creating a workplace with a strong Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive culture is not only the right thing, it’s also crucial for your retention and improving patient care.

A study from Press Ganey shows health systems with strong Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) values have less risk of staff potentially leaving the organization.

The study also found:

• Healthcare organizations had twice as many employees at risk of leaving if the workforce perceived diversity and equity weren’t prioritized versus work forces that do.  
  
  
• The risk of leaving within 3 years is more than 4 times higher for healthcare workers who believe their organization doesn’t value employees from different backgrounds versus workers who do.  
  
  
• If offered another job, healthcare workers are 4 ½ times more likely to leave an organization if they believe different backgrounds aren’t valued, or if the organization isn’t committed to workforce diversity, versus workers who do.   
  
  
• Perceptions of diversity & equity are a bigger indicator of intent to stay with an organization among security personnel, nurses and physicians than other ancillary staff. 

Having a strong DEI culture allows employees to be comfortable and confident in who they are. This allows them to focus on providing the best patient care possible.

Research shows, 77% of employees and 80% of leaders who are disabled chose not to share their disability in their workplace. For LGBTQ workers, 46% are closeted at their place of work. And across all diverse characteristics, 75% of employees feel the need to mask their differences or downplay them during work.

Employees masking or hiding aspects of themselves during shifts affects their confidence, motivation, feelings of safety and hinders their job performance.

It’s important for healthcare workers to have mentors they can look up to throughout their careers. A lack of diversity can make it difficult for minority healthcare workers to find role models they identify with. This can impact their professional growth and their ability to provide optimal patient care.

A strong DEI culture isn’t something that can be achieved overnight. It requires a leadership who is dedicated to promoting cultural awareness and inclusion. It requires staff who are willing to take the time to learn about and understand each other. It also means being willing to identify and address biases.

The tragic events of the past year has brought an increased awareness to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). As a result, healthcare organizations are hiring Chief Diversity Officers (CDO’s), implementing initiatives, providing educational programs, and using new recruitment strategies to increase diversity in medicine.

Increasing diversity in healthcare organizations benefits both the healthcare provider and the patient populations they serve.

To increase diversity and lower racial healthcare disparities, many hospitals and health systems are looking to their CDO for guidance moving forward.

Last year, CDO hires grew by 84%, making it the fastest growing C-suite title, according to LinkedIn.

Some health systems are going beyond hiring a CDO and are creating entire teams or councils to implement and foster best practices. 

Northwell Health formed the Emerging Leaders Diversity & Inclusion Council which is responsible for analyzing current conditions within the health system while seeking to implement best practices in 3 key areas:

• Onboarding
• Mentoring
• Succession Planning

Englewood Health assembled a Diversity and Inclusion Education Council consisting of 12 team members across all departments and leadership levels.  

Warren Geller, President and CEO of Englewood Health said, “Our country’s history of racism and current inequalities have impacted every aspect of life and, most importantly, our health and well-being. With the establishment of a Diversity and Inclusion Education Council we are committing to doing more and doing better for the communities we serve.”

More hospitals are providing educational resources and training programs for their staff members.

At Ochsner Health in Louisiana, they’ve rolled out training to address implicit bias across the organization. Melissa Love, VP of Professional Staff Services and The Office of Professional Well-Being said, “People are really curious. I’m seeing people be very surprised by their lack of knowledge, even those that think they’re very knowledgeable.” 

Hospitals are also participating in evaluation programs to help improve their DEI efforts. 

The HRC Foundation's Healthcare Equality Index (HEI) evaluates healthcare facilities nationwide based on non-discrimination & staff training, LGBTQ patient services & support, employee benefits & policies, and LGBTQ patient & community engagement. 

Last year, a record 765 healthcare facilities participated in the HEI survey. These organizations recognize the importance of implementing LGBTQ-inclusive practices alongside their foundational non-discrimination policies.

When it comes to diversifying the hiring process, Daniel Benavides, Manager of Talent Acquisition at CHG Healthcare, suggests hospitals increase the number of people who select candidates. 

Benavides noticed only one or two people were filtering candidates for interviews. He determined that having a larger mix of individuals looking at applications would result in a greater diversity — and higher quality — of selected candidates.

It’s critical healthcare organizations improve diversity within their staff to reduce healthcare disparities. They must ensure ALL people are equally represented. 

The CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

CEOs at top major companies from around the world are signing this action pledge to support more inclusive workplaces.

This pledge shows the commitment and actions leaders will take to provide resources and strategies for an inclusive environment.

Health systems joining the pledge are taking a step towards positive change. A diverse and inclusive workforce helps the community and inspires innovation and creativity.

According to the CEO Action website, By 2050 there will be no racial or ethnic majority in the US.

Click here to view the list of healthcare CEO's who have signed the pledge so far.

Warren Geller, President and CEO of Englewood Health pledged to provide equal access to vaccines, helping to mitigate risk factors for those most vulnerable to COVID-19; enhancing and expanding training programs for new and current employees, focused on diversity and inclusion; and to continue on the path to diminishing healthcare disparities with the support of the Diversity and Inclusion Education Council (DIEC).

Hackensack Meridian Health CEO, Robert C. Garrett signed the pledge and said, "New Jersey is one of the most diverse states in the nation and we are deeply committed to ensuring that there is equality and opportunity for all in our hospitals and care locations. The network also has a robust and comprehensive strategy to eliminate unacceptable outcomes based on race and ethnicity, a challenge for our entire nation.''

CEO Stephen J. Ubl of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) signed the pledge and included four goals that PhRMA is committed to working toward.

1. We will continue to make our workplace a trusting place to have complex, and sometimes difficult, conversations about diversity and inclusion. 
2. We will expand unconscious bias education.
3. We will share best—and unsuccessful—practices.
4. We will create and share strategic inclusion and diversity plans with our board of directors.

So far, nearly 2,000 CEOs and Presidents have made the pledge and it is encouraging to see this number grow. Click here to view the pledge.