Dialogue  

Reflection on: A Commitment to Diversity in
Nursing and Nursing Education
Submitted by: Debra S. McKinney, MSN, MBA/HCM, RN
Date Submitted: October 25, 2009

I think it is important that, as we consider our commitment to diversity, we not forget the handicapped nurse. I experienced a back injury 10 years ago that made it impossible to stand or walk for more than a few minutes, thereby rendering clinical practice impossible.

I always wanted to teach nursing so I obtained advanced degrees and am currently pursing a doctorate in education. However, I find it almost impossible to find an instructor's position because I cannot teach in the clinical area and require a classroom position.

I am currently teaching online because local nursing programs mandate clinical instructing before being allowed to teach in the classroom. Despite my proven experience and expertise teaching student nurses, published textbooks, and ongoing education I feel I have been under utilized and under appreciated.

In times of great faculty shortages, I beg you not to forget the handicapped nurse who has much to share and can make a positive contribution to your facility.

Reflection on: A Commitment to Diversity in
Nursing and Nursing Education
Submitted by: Stephanie J. Wroten, MS, RN
Date Submitted: September 30, 2009

Retention of minority student populations across nursing programs remains an ongoing problem. Many diverse students have foundation learning gaps issues in math, reading comprehension, academic organization, informantion technology and study skills. These deficits leave these students at risk for academic failure. How do we bridge the gap? It is imperative that we increase the number of diverse Nurse Educators to serve as menotrs to minority students. It is essential that we level the playing field by creating academic enrichment resources to build our "at risk" student populations. These issues are cyclical in curing health care disparities. Diversity in the nursing workforce will continue to suffer if we are unable to retain and graduate minority nursing students. I am personally committed to continued research to address these issues. As an African American Nurse Educator, I have experienced first hand workplace inequities that have left me often disappointed. Feeling this way has provided me with a heightened awareness of the fustrations that many minority students may face in majority academic settings. Academic enviroments that magnify inclusion for both minority faculty and students is the place to start. There is no compromise in this matter.

Reflection on: A Commitment to Diversity in
Nursing and Nursing Education
Submitted by: JoAnn Mulready-Shick, EdD, RN, CNE
Date Submitted: July 13, 2009

Hello-I share some of your thoughts. I recently completed my dissertation on the Experiences of Nursing Students as English language learners. Concerns related to experiencing monocultural and unwelcoming environments did surface which may have contributed to thwarted learning and lack of progress. Suggestions for creating inclusive classroom practices are included and may be helpful in your inquiry. We will have opportunities to continue this dialogue at the NLN Educ Summit in Sept 2009, too.

Reflection on: A Commitment to Diversity in
Nursing and Nursing Education
Submitted by: Aubray Orduna, MSN, ABD
Date Submitted: April 25, 2009

I appreciate this reflection and dialogue. I am presently conducting a qualitative research study for my dissertation on the experiences of African Americans in Nursing Education. As a minority nurse, nurse educator and nursing education administrator I am witnessing first hand some of the difficulties African Americans experience. I am aware of the disparately low graduation rates compared with those of White students. I hope my research will be of some value to the profession and add some knowledge concerning this topic. I would appreciate any comments anyone may have that might contribute to my research and/or my awareness of this topic.

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