The Role of Nursing Leadership in Dismantling Racism in Nursing: A Call to Action

Abstract

Racism is a structural determinant of health that affects mental health outcomes in the United States and globally. Nursing leaders must respond to a call to action to address racism in nursing. The purpose of the current article is to present evidence-based, race-conscious strategies for nurses in leadership roles to identify, challenge, and mitigate racism in nursing education and practice. Building on a theoretical framework, we share essential diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies for dismantling racism in nursing. These DEI strategies include: (1) critical self-reflection, (2) mutual respect and recognition, (3) challenging White privilege, (4) leveraging available resources, (5) intentional advocacy/strategic planning, and (6) continuing education. The work of this American Nurses Association (ANA)–Illinois DEI Expert Panel is presented as an example of a statewide initiative to promote a greater understanding of the global history of racialization and challenge nursing leaders to act now to eliminate the contemporary effects of racism in the nursing profession. To truly challenge and mitigate racist practices, nursing leadership must be proactively engaged and have a strategic action plan in place to confront structural racism. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx (xx), xx–xx.]