Ijeoma E. Duru, RN’s Post

Violet is a Black Oregonian that comes from a line of Black Nurses. It matters that Black Nurses are in different areas within healthcare to promote trust amongst diverse communities. Her episode spoke to me because I respect my boundaries in my personal and professional life. Black Nurses make up 1.4% in Oregon and I have been in positions that I have been the only one and with the dominant culture in higher level positions that do not take our experiences seriously is dangerous for us as human beings, as well as having a supportive environment. We need support from our fellow Black Nurses and Black Leaders to support each other. "We do not have to say yes to everything. More often than not that extra is their work. I will not continue to do their work." We are not here to just serve doctors or organizations but serving patients and communities and demanding mutual respect. Our voices, experiences, and representation matters. If units or organizations are having issues retaining Black Healthcare Staff, they need to look at what they are doing that is causing those talented individuals to leave or even leave the State of Oregon. Alliance of Black Nurses Association of Oregon (ABNAO) is bringing together Black Nurses and Allies to support each other and our community. We should not be oppressed to not speak up for ourselves and others. Listen here or wherever you listen to podcasts https://lnkd.in/gZ_xmyH7 #blackcarematters #blacknurses #oregoncenterfornursing #nursesonlinkedin #nurses #schoolnurse #healthybirthinitiative

This documentary is going to open some eyes, rip the veil, and bring forth truth about nursing's relationship with Black nurses!

So many people are held back by the self-applied glass ceiling due to their #impostersyndrome. Often a job description or inaccurate perceptions of our own limits prevent us from taking the leap we are genuinely ready for. As the saying goes, we miss 100% of the shots we never take. Hearing Sophia's experience HCA Healthcare UK , resulting in her attaining a critically important nurse leadership role, is so empowering! Ask yourself why you think you don't meet elements of the JD. Think laterally about your skills and abilities, because often it comes down to the language we use being different to that used in the JD. Suddenly your a match! Take the shot! #nurseleaders #nurseleadership #nursing #healthcareleaders #healthleadership

This video abstract and article from 2022 is too awesome to not celebrate again. This study team included the community itself and focused on qualitative data- collecting the stories from Black families.  The results include recommendations from Black NICU mothers, including ways to interrupt bias to improve outcomes and experience. Mia Malcolm, one of the authors and Lead Family Partner at St. Louis Children’s Hospital stated, “Until we have Black voices at the table, the research is incomplete.” The study results included interventions to improve care, including increased Black representation, increased peer support, and improved staff education and training. Malcolm said it best: “Racism is not an inevitability. The harm that racism causes is preventable. If we just take the time to think about it, to act on it, to listen to people when they tell us their story and tell us how it is harming them, we can enact interventions that can circumvent that harm…if we can treat racism and the harm that it causes with the same energy and the same vigor that we treat other preventable harm then we can stop some of these disparate outcomes and we can save Black babies.” It is our responsibility as healthcare professionals and community members to interrupt this preventable harm, to listen when people share their story, and to go beyond awareness and take action. #healthequity #biasinterruption https://lnkd.in/gRTJ63cu

The historical significance of these endowments cannot be overlooked! In 1910, with the goal of standardizing medical training and care for patients, the Flexner report argued that there were too many medical schools. That report was widely accepted and adopted leading in part to the closure of 5 out of the 7 historically Black medical schools. 5 out of 7 schools during a time of racially restricted access to medical education! Imagine the staggering implications of what those 5 school closures meant, not only to patient access and care, but also economic development and creating trust in the medical community, which is still a pervasive issue today. This is a good first step.

In Mississippi, the scarcity of Black doctors is more than a statistic; it's a crisis with deep implications for health equity. The state's medical system is grappling with a severe shortage of Black physicians, which is particularly troubling given the state's significant Black population. This shortage doesn't just affect access to care; it impacts patients' quality of care. Diverse medical teams are proven to enhance patient trust and improve health outcomes, yet the pathways to becoming a doctor remain fraught with barriers for many Black students. The road ahead is challenging, but it's clear that fostering diversity in the medical field is a crucial step toward achieving health equity in Mississippi and beyond. By investing in programs that increase diversity in medicine, we invest in a healthier future for all communities. Read more at: https://buff.ly/3xUGE9s #hospitals #doctors #healthcare

It's International Nurses Day - a time to acknowledge the vital work and contributions of nurses globally. Despite their sacrifices and contributions, the collective experiences of Black nurses in Canada continue to tell stories of the countless ways anti-Black racism runs rampant in the sector. Racism on the job, fear of backlash for speaking out, being passed over for opportunities and feelings of depression are just some of the debilitating experiences of Black nurses in Ontario. In a sector where policies and procedures are designed within the Canadian discourse of multiculturalism, Black nurses are often left to navigate their experiences and the resulting trauma on their own. They persistently encounter a disproportionate share of harsh treatment or disciplinary actions from management while simultaneously being underrepresented in leadership positions. More research is essential to inform policy and procedural changes that extend beyond education and statements. These changes must confront entrenched practices that foster toxic and, at times, unsafe work environments, especially for Black and Indigenous employees. #InternationalNursesDay #EmploymentResearch #EmploymentOpportunities #DiversityandInclusion

My heart is heavy for those who loved and were impacted by Dr. Antoinette “Bonnie” Candia-Bailey's life. The family, friends, students, colleagues, and community that is forever impacted by the loss of her precious life. Over my career, I have seen the horrors of toxic and abusive workplaces. The unwillingness to take courageous action and treat people with dignity and respect. The oh-so-common conversations where the individual is blamed and shamed and no one wants to reflect on how we, the system, have contributed to the problem. Too often, I have witnessed people in power ignore the bullying, hostility, and abuse in workplaces because it didn't rise to the level of "legal" harassment and discrimination. I have also seen bullies and abusive employees be promoted or otherwise rewarded while the employee who has been victimized is further threatened and harmed. I hope that you take this opportunity to reflect on your power and influence at work and in your community. What kind of workplaces are we condoning? How are we valuing human life? What systems, structures, and values allow us to treat people like this? What does this say to the generations of aspiring leaders? What does this say about us, when we work in organizations that do not value human life? What are we doing about it?

By now every person in the medical realm probably has heard about Miss Asa Blanton nursing student of Indiana State University and her racist social media rant. What I want people to understand is that Black people have worked with many “Asas” throughout our career. People who hold the power of hiring, promotions, school acceptance, and most importantly, perceptions in their hands. The majority tends to back the most slovenly of their ilk especially if Black people call them out. It’s a “how dare YOU!” The benefit of the doubt rarely works in Black peoples favor. As far as Miss Blanton, I know Black students who have been expelled for less. Do No Harm…our oath. And words can harm. Especially the ugly words of racism. Black people have asked, demanded EQUITY. Reparations? Well it’s not new cars, trucks, money. It’s repairing the community that hasn’t been allowed to thrive due to racist ideology and White supremacy. Many of us have worked twice as hard to measure up to mediocrity. Pouring into education, small business, home ownership to create the generational wealth we’ve been locked out of. Equity is fair treatment and even some grace for not knowing a concept and idea. Exposure and proximity is limiting to many of us who don’t have the connections or the means. The Asa’s have been allowed to permeate and pollute a career path where there are marginalized vulnerable people at risk. People who have already had generational trauma and mistrust lauded upon them. We take an oath “do no harm”. Harm is done everyday when a qualified Black person doesn’t get the promotion based upon skin color vs resume content. When the assumption is that they’re a “DEI” hire. When many of us are probably over qualified due to paying the “Black tax” working twice as hard to measure up to mediocrity. So, in the face of those who think DEI isn’t necessary, racism is only here because we “talk” about, what are YOU going to do about the Asa Blanton’s that negate your sentiments? It’s not on Black people…Do No Harm. What harm have YOU done? Because silence and complicity…is status quo. And that means nothing really is changed you just got rid of systems that helped the playing field. #indianastateuniversity #nursing #equity #healthcare #racism #overt

  The disparities Black families face in the NICU is a critical issue. Biases impact the care for our most vulnerable–Black newborns–which is unacceptable. Research has proven that Black babies receive lower-quality care, and their families navigate an isolating environment fraught with systemic barriers. Every parent deserves to be heard. We must confront the reality of racism in our healthcare systems, where Black parents are often dismissed and left feeling powerless. Now is the time to advocate for ourselves and our children, and push for systemic changes that ensure equitable care in NICUs, support mental health resources and foster an environment where Black families can thrive. Read the article including my insights here: https://bit.ly/4eRgkNW