DiversityNursing Blog

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.

In today's increasingly diverse healthcare landscape, Nurses from various backgrounds play a pivotal role in delivering culturally competent and inclusive care. As a diverse candidate entering the Nursing field, you possess a unique set of experiences and perspectives that can greatly enrich patient care and the overall Nursing community. However, standing out amidst the competition requires a strategic approach. Here's how to set yourself apart and excel as a diverse candidate in Nursing.

Embrace Cultural Competency: Cultural competency is an essential skill for Nurses, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. Understanding and respecting patients' cultural beliefs, practices, and values not only enhances patient outcomes but also demonstrates your ability to adapt in different scenarios. Take the initiative to educate yourself about various cultures, languages, and traditions, and showcase your willingness to work effectively with patients from all walks of life. 


Highlight Multilingual Abilities: Being fluent in languages other than English can be a significant asset in Nursing. The ability to communicate directly with patients in their native language fosters trust and ensures accurate information exchange. Include your language proficiency on your resume and during interviews to demonstrate your added value in providing patient-centered care. 


Share Personal Experiences: Your unique life experiences can enrich the Nursing profession. Whether you've overcome personal challenges, immigrated from another country, or come from a non-traditional background, share these experiences to showcase your resilience, adaptability, and empathy. These qualities resonate with patients and colleagues, setting you apart as someone who can connect on a deeper level. 


Pursue Further Education: Continuous learning is a hallmark of a successful Nursing career. Consider pursuing certifications or advanced degrees in areas related to diversity and cultural competence. This not only deepens your knowledge but also demonstrates your commitment to staying informed about the latest healthcare trends and best practices.


Advocate for Inclusivity: Promote diversity and inclusivity within your workplace and the Nursing community as a whole. Participate in discussions, seminars, and workshops centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion. By actively engaging in these conversations, you position yourself as a leader who is dedicated to driving positive change in the Nursing field. 


Network Effectively: Forge connections within Nursing associations, multicultural organizations, and professional forums. Networking not only exposes you to valuable opportunities but also enables you to exchange ideas with fellow Nurses, creating a supportive community that values diversity and collaboration.

Exhibit Strong Leadership Skills: Leadership transcends job titles. Display leadership qualities by taking the initiative, demonstrating problem-solving skills, and mentoring others. Showcasing your ability to lead and inspire can set you apart as a diverse candidate who brings innovation and positive change to the Nursing environment.

Tell Your Story: Craft a compelling narrative that showcases your journey and aspirations in Nursing. Whether it's in your cover letter, personal statement, or interviews, your story adds depth to your application and demonstrates your passion for the field. Connect your experiences to your desire to make a meaningful impact on patient care and the Nursing profession. 

Participate in Community Outreach: Engage in community service and outreach programs that align with your background and interests. Volunteering demonstrates your commitment to making a difference and highlights your compassion for marginalized or underserved populations.

Stay Resilient: As a diverse candidate, you might face unique challenges on your path to success. Persevere in the face of adversity, using setbacks as opportunities for growth. Your resilience will not only propel your own journey but also serve as an inspiration to others. 

Being a diverse candidate in Nursing offers you the chance to bring a wealth of experiences and perspectives to the profession. To truly set yourself apart, embrace cultural competency, share your personal stories, continue your education, advocate for inclusivity, and exhibit leadership qualities. By doing so, you'll not only excel as a Nurse but also contribute to a more inclusive and effective healthcare system. Your journey as a diverse candidate is a testament to the richness of the Nursing profession, and your impact will be felt far and wide.

 

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.

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. 

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

There has been a national wave of concern about racial inequities, especially in healthcare, with the arrival of the COVID pandemic.

Many healthcare organizations are increasing their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. Leaders are addressing racial health disparities and finding ways to improve patient care for all. Part of their efforts include establishing a Chief Diversity Officer role.

Winifred King is Cook Children’s first ever Chief Diversity Officer. King said, “It is hard to put into words what this decision and investment means to people of color and anyone who has ever felt different or excluded. For all of us who may have experienced inequities and mistreatment in our lifetimes, it is comforting to be a part of an organization that accepts our differences, our failures, and is willing to look inward and truly examine what is at the heart of our culture.”

“COVID-19 is amplifying health disparities in communities of color,” said Quita Highsmith, the Chief Diversity Officer of biotech company, Genentech. “It is now time for us to stop tiptoeing around it and start thinking about what we are going to do.”

CDOs are responsible for addressing these healthcare disparities. They are developing strategies to promote diversity, inclusivity, and equitable cultures throughout their organization.

Education and awareness are playing a key role in improving health outcomes for diverse communities. The CDO coordinates efforts internally to provide staff with resources and courses, such as cultural competence training as well as finding ways externally to work with the community they serve.

In addition, the CDO helps to create recruitment programs that ensures their DEI message is reaching diverse candidates. As a member of the C-suite, the CDO can communicate to all leaders that diversity recruitment, for all position levels, should be a priority.

Studies suggest diversity in healthcare leadership enhances quality of care, quality of life in the workplace, community relations, and the ability to affect community health status.

The CDO helps to define, educate, and communicate the hospital/health system’s culture and DEI message to its staff, patient population and community.

Joseph Hill, was the first Chief Diversity Officer at Jefferson Health. He requested they establish focus groups with patients to better understand their expectations and view of the system. With the information provided by the focus groups, they found the areas that needed improvements.

HCA Healthcare created the BRAVE Conversations program, an ‘outside the box’ platform designed to facilitate interactive, inclusive, innovative and safe ways for employees to share their thoughts on issues that may be difficult to discuss.

It is imperative that leadership is committed to their DEI mission. Without it, the CDO cannot wave a magic wand and transform an entire organization overnight. It takes commitment, communication both internally and externally, resources, time, and effort from all areas of the health system.

Pat Magrath, National Sales Director, DiversityNursing.com pmagrath@diversitynursing.com

Our country and the world is experiencing a huge awakening and changing attitude toward bias and racism and it is about time! It shouldn’t have taken these recent tragic events to bring about this ground swell of emotion and passion for change, but here we are.

It is time to channel this passion to create positive and lasting new initiatives in our society. A big part of this change falls to employers to review what they say about their organization, how they hire new employees, and how they treat and communicate with their existing staff, patients and visitors. Now, more than ever, your recruitment communications need to reflect an honest and thoughtful narrative about your organizational commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Diversity Recruitment means reaching out to ALL diverse communities including people from various racial/ethnic backgrounds, ages, gender identities, religions, education levels, national origins, sexual orientations, veteran status, marital status, disabilities, and physical characteristics. However, it is much more than just words on paper or a clever equal opportunity line. It is about telling a story and demonstrating through your actions why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are important.

Diversity Recruiting Steps & Strategy

Get Started

Diversity Recruiting is about your core company beliefs, employment strategies and your ability to look at the big picture when it comes to expanding the diversity within your employee population. Look at the patients your organization serves. What is the population makeup of your community? Do your employees reflect your patient population? Do they understand how culture and family structures can impact healthcare decisions? Do they understand nuances in language? Have they been taught how different religious backgrounds impact how and when people seek care? If not, you are probably losing market share or certainly will in the near future.

Patients want and often need to be taken care of by someone who can look at much more than just physical or emotional symptoms. A more diverse employee population leads to the collaboration of different cultures, ideas, and perspectives and is an organizational asset that brings forth greater creativity and innovation in your workplace.

Define Your Company Culture

We often hear the term “recruitment brand”, but can you honestly say you have one that reflects Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion? Your “recruitment brand” is NOT what you aspire to be. It is who you are NOW and a big part of that is how others experience or perceive your organization.

Can you articulate and explain your company culture, beliefs and perception in the community? Do you have a clear, inclusive mission statement? If not, start working on it now. Who are you as an employer? Would a diverse candidate feel comfortable working there?

Put together a team of internal people from various backgrounds to get their input and help you define and promote your company culture. Once you’ve defined it, believe it, commit to it and act upon it. It should be a comprehensive effort from the top down.

Embrace It

What do the leaders of your organization say and do about your DEI initiative? It is imperative your senior leadership is committed to your DEI mission. If they don’t stand behind it, nothing will change. People pay attention to what you say AND what you do. There are many ways to monitor how an organization delivers on its promises. If your Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts don’t match up with what you say, then you have lost credibility and it will be very difficult to build it back.

Get Your Message Out There – How and Where You Reach People

Assess what you’re currently doing. What’s working and what isn’t? Where can you improve? What’s your budget? What are your competitors doing? Once you’ve answered these questions, you must develop a strategy about how and where you’re going to consistently communicate your message through ALL of your internal and external channels including…

• Your Website – particularly your Career Pages
• Community Involvement – get out into your community and spread your DEI message. Your community comprises your patients, visitors and employees.
• Signage throughout your buildings
• All Recruitment Communications should outline your DEI message including:

- Career Pages
- Electronic Communications including radio, TV, social media, etc
- Print Communications
- Employee Referral Programs
- Collateral & Conference materials – brochures, giveaways, etc
- Business Cards
- Job Postings

Climbing the Career Ladder & Diversity

In addition to recruiting diverse employees, mentoring and promoting them is equally important to your DEI commitment. You not only retain committed employees as you promote them, but your staff sees what you’re doing and is encouraged.

Dr. Stefanie Johnson is a professor at the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado-Boulder, an expert in the DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) space, and the author of the recent Wall Street Journal bestseller, Inclusify. As an executive coach and consultant to large corporations on the development and succession of leaders, Dr. Johnson explains the "employee lifecycle" from recruiting to executive advancement. This lifecycle starts with the hiring of talent at companies, continues onto the engagement and development of them through teams, and then moves to the potential promotion of diverse employees into higher leadership roles. https://www.forbes.com/sites/niharchhaya/2020/06/29/why-diversity-and-inclusion-efforts-fail-to-deliver-and-how-to-change-that/#636ed82457be

Following these steps will help you achieve an appropriate Diversity Recruiting strategy. Remember, it is imperative that your senior leadership is on board and committed. Your employees, patients and community will be watching.

Major health care giants like Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Massachusetts General Hospital have pledged to improve diversity recruitment of health workers. Reports showed a lack of diversity in hospitals and care discrepancies among patients. The hospitals plan to increase resources, hire executives focused on improving diversity and inclusion in their organizations, and more.

The lack of diversity in the healthcare workforce can impact patient care. Minority patients are more likely to seek out and follow advice from health professionals who look, sound, eat, worship and share the same cultural customs and values like they do. 

The U.S. population overall is changing and quite rapidly. In 2010, the number of residents age 5 and older speaking a language other than English at home had climbed 158% to 59.5 million from 23.1 million in 1980, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2044, more than half the nation is expected to be made up of minority races or groups, according to a 2015 Census Bureau report.

Yet, statistics show healthcare isn't keeping pace with population changes. Minorities made up just 14% of hospital boards and only 11% of executive leadership positions in 2015, according to a survey from the American Hospital Association's Institute for Diversity in Health Management. This disparity exists even though minorities represent roughly 30% to 35% of patients in hospitals.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute officials told Becker's Hospital Review they plan to hire a leader for diversity programs, and will require all faculty and administration to complete a bias awareness workshop, among other initiatives, as part of the institution's 2018 strategic plan.

Dianne Austin, workforce diversity program manager at Massachusetts General Hospital, told Healthcare Dive, "Mass General has an orientation where new employees attend a program on diversity and inclusion and learn about various resources available to employees, such as a citizenship program, careers days and school admissions officers. There are also multiple staff committees focused on improving diversity and inclusion."

Akron Children's Hospital supports a program that aims to improve Nursing diversity. The program's plan is to increase the number of interns in the program and provide tuition support during their senior year of college. The hope is that program participants will return to Akron Children's after graduation to begin their Nursing career.

 "Nursing diversity is vital to ensuring a positive experience for our patients," said William Considine, CEO of Akron Children's Hospital. "Not only does this program provide a valuable educational experience, it also helps Akron Children's recruit more prepared Nurses and helps our workforce reflect the diversity of the patients, families and communities we serve."

UC Health intends to contribute $1.5 million to create University of Cincinnati scholarships designed to diversify the medical profession. The hospital system hopes the scholarships will help all local health systems diversify their workforce when hiring doctors, Nurses, pharmacists and medical technicians. 

“We know through recent research that underrepresented adults in Cincinnati believe their race negatively impacts their treatment from medical professionals,” said Dr. Rick Lofgren, CEO of UC Health. “This investment is a step to improve health care for all of our patients and to foster a health care workforce that reflects the diversity of our population.”

Diversity & Inclusion initiatives can be difficult to sustain, but commitment to increasing D&I at all levels of your organization will bring new perspectives and values to your hospital/health system, which can help decrease health disparities across the board. Bravo to the healthcare leaders that are seriously acting on their D&I initiatives! Do you see progress in this area where you work or teach?