Breaking Barriers: Addressing Systemic Racism in Nursing for a More Equitable Future

Nursing Notes: Past, Present, Future

Author

Sandra Evangelista
December 28, 2024

Systemic Racism in Nursing: A Call for Equity and Compassion

Systemic racism—deeply embedded in society's institutions and structures—has long shaped nursing in ways that impact both healthcare providers and patients. While progress has been made over the decades, implicit biases and structural inequalities persist, challenging the profession's core mission of providing equitable, compassionate care for all. Understanding and addressing these disparities is critical to creating a truly inclusive and effective healthcare system.

A History That Still Echoes Today

Historically, nursing education and employment opportunities were segregated, with limited access for minority individuals. Although overt discrimination has waned, its legacy lingers in more subtle forms. Many nurses from underrepresented groups face barriers in accessing mentorship, leadership roles, and professional development opportunities. These inequities result in fewer diverse voices in positions of influence, limiting the profession’s ability to evolve and meet the needs of a diverse population.

Even today, nursing education often focuses on Eurocentric perspectives, neglecting cultural competence and the unique challenges faced by minority populations. This gap in education leaves many nurses unprepared to deliver the inclusive, sensitive care that all patients deserve.

When Racism Affects Care

The impact of systemic racism extends far beyond the workplace—it directly harms patient care. Research shows that racial and ethnic minorities often receive substandard care compared to white patients, leading to poorer health outcomes. Implicit biases can lead to misdiagnoses, undertreatment, or dismissive interactions.

For instance, Black patients are less likely to receive adequate pain management due to stereotypes about pain tolerance. Similarly, language barriers or cultural misunderstandings often result in inadequate care for non-English-speaking patients. These disparities not only diminish trust in healthcare systems but also exacerbate long-standing inequities in health outcomes.

Challenges Faced by Minority Nurses

Minority nurses frequently report experiences of discrimination and microaggressions in the workplace. These experiences can erode morale, contribute to burnout, and ultimately push talented professionals out of the field. Minority nurses are also often expected to shoulder the "cultural taxation" of being the go-to resource for patients or colleagues from similar backgrounds. While this role can be meaningful, it can also be exhausting and limit career growth opportunities.

The lack of representation in leadership compounds these issues. Without diverse voices at the decision-making table, systemic inequalities often go unaddressed, perpetuating a cycle that marginalizes both providers and patients.

Pathways to Change

Breaking this cycle requires action at every level. Nursing schools must prioritize cultural competence, implicit bias training, and education on social determinants of health to prepare future nurses for inclusive practice. Healthcare organizations should implement policies to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This includes intentional recruitment and retention of minority nurses, mentorship programs, and fostering workplaces where everyone feels valued.

On a broader scale, advocacy for equitable healthcare policies is essential. Nursing leaders and organizations must push for systemic reforms that address disparities in care, fund minority-serving institutions, and expand access to resources for underserved communities.

A Vision for the Future

The nursing profession has a profound opportunity to lead the way in dismantling systemic racism within healthcare. By prioritizing equity, compassion, and inclusion, we can honor the core values of nursing and build a system where every nurse and patient are treated with dignity and respect. The work is far from easy, but it is necessary to create a future where health disparities are a thing of the past.

References

 Additional reading and Podcast from Johnson & Johnson