Linda Thompson Adams1, Jacquelyn Campbell2, Katie Deming2. 1. College of Health Sciences, West Chester University, Philadelphia, PA. Electronic address: ladams@wcupa.edu. 2. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholars Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Academic nursing faculty play a vital role in recruiting a diverse student body to increase the diversity of the profession and educate students to provide culturally sensitive care to expand equitable health care. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to present the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholars program diversity initiatives and outcomes. METHODS: Data on the diversity of the 90 scholars and their diversity-related leadership positions were compiled. DISCUSSION: Although the program was designed with selection criteria to encourage racial/ethnic and gender diversity, it was not until a diversity strategic plan was designed and implemented that sufficient diversity in the applicant pool and consistent diversity among the scholars was achieved. The program also included highly evaluated leadership content in diversity and inclusion. CONCLUSIONS: Lessons learned from the program are important for the assurance of continued diversity among tenure-track nursing faculty, commitment to diversity in the nursing workforce among all faculty, and support in nursing education on providing culturally sensitive nursing care and nursing research that addresses health inequities.
BACKGROUND: Academic nursing faculty play a vital role in recruiting a diverse student body to increase the diversity of the profession and educate students to provide culturally sensitive care to expand equitable health care. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to present the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Nurse Faculty Scholars program diversity initiatives and outcomes. METHODS: Data on the diversity of the 90 scholars and their diversity-related leadership positions were compiled. DISCUSSION: Although the program was designed with selection criteria to encourage racial/ethnic and gender diversity, it was not until a diversity strategic plan was designed and implemented that sufficient diversity in the applicant pool and consistent diversity among the scholars was achieved. The program also included highly evaluated leadership content in diversity and inclusion. CONCLUSIONS: Lessons learned from the program are important for the assurance of continued diversity among tenure-track nursing faculty, commitment to diversity in the nursing workforce among all faculty, and support in nursing education on providing culturally sensitive nursing care and nursing research that addresses health inequities.