A Vision of Diversity, Equity, and Nursing Education

In this time of increasing focus on efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating a more diverse nursing and healthcare workforce is a goal that many would agree is worth pursuing.

A more diverse workforce positively manifests for all parties involved, whether doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, or other healthcare professionals. However, barriers to inclusion and diversity within the doctorally prepared nursing workforce are a challenge that some are beginning to address.

Advancing Equity in Nursing Education

Dr. Danielle McCamey, DNP, ACNP-BC, FCCP, is an expert critical care advanced practice clinician and the Assistant Dean for Strategic Partnerships at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. She is also the founder and CEO of DNPs of Color, an advocacy organization with a mission of inspiring more people of color to pursue advanced nursing education, particularly the Doctorate of Nursing Practice. In this regard, networking, advocacy, and mentorship are pillars of Dr. McCamey’s efforts to diversify the nursing workforce.

In terms of the representation of people of color in nursing, Dr. McCamey states, “We are not well-represented, as the literature shows, but we are much needed in order to close inequity gaps and advance health equity.”

And in the realm of the recruitment of people of color into the nursing profession, Dr. McCamey sees a path forward.

“We have to restructure our efforts so that we begin exposing the nursing profession early and consistently [to young people]. We must also remove financial and other barriers to access to nursing education, whether in the form of standardized tests or ensuring that we keep all pathways into nursing available, including CNA, LPN, ADN, and beyond.”

Patients and Quality of Care

A diverse nursing workforce benefits both patients and healthcare workers alike. When it comes to quality improvement in patient care delivery and the experience of healthcare professionals, an article in the New England Journal of Medicine states, “Lack of workforce diversity has detrimental effects on patient outcomes, access to care, and patient trust, as well as on workplace experiences and employee retention.”

No matter how we break this issue down, increasing diversity has qualitatively and quantitatively positive benefits that are well worth the effort of undertaking such initiatives.

Studies of a concept referred to as “race concordance” or “race congruence” have shown that patients like to be cared for by providers and staff who look like them. As noted in an analysis published on the National Library of Medicine website, “Research suggests that race concordance between patients and providers is associated with positive outcomes such as higher levels of perceived patient satisfaction of care, quality of healthcare, and more trust in their provider.”

A Vision for the Doctoral Nursing Degree Path

When discussing people of color pursuing advanced nursing degrees, including the PhD and DNP paths, Dr. McCamey states, “Exclusionary practices and gatekeeping within nursing along with lack of mentorship have often stood in the way.”

Dr. McCamey mentors many up-and-coming nurses entering the doctoral field, and she understands the power of those relationships based on her lived experience.

She continues, “From my personal experience, mentorship was key to understanding some of the rules of the game and navigating certain spaces, as well as advocating for resources to contribute to my success and advancement in the profession. Having an affinity with those who’ve gone before is crucial.”

In terms of doctoral education, Dr. McCamey states, “Historically, PhD-level nurses are those that generate new nursing knowledge and science, while DNPs generally translate that science into clinical practice. However, we also see more DNPs pursuing nursing science and research.”

For nurses who wish to pursue a doctoral-level education but are uncertain about the choice between a PhD and a DNP, Dr. McCamey shares her clear opinion:

“I am biased towards the DNP because it has made doctoral studies more accessible, specifically for nurses of color. Unlike a PhD track, the more flexible DNP curricula allow students to engage in other life obligations while also going to school.” She continues, “For many of us, this flexibility is vital since we support our families and communities, whether financially or in caregiver roles.”