African born black nurses’ perception of their U.S. work environment: Race matters

Background: Healthy work environment is essential to patients’ safety, staff recruitment, retention, and organization's financial viability. It is imperative to examine, understand and mitigate any and all factors that may contribute to unhealthy work environment. Purpose: This study aimed to describe how African-born Black nurses felt their race affected their experience of the work environment and whether these experiences contributed to perceptions of unhealthy work environments. Method: Thematic analysis was performed on data obtained from unstructured interviews of 17 African born Black nurses in this qualitative descriptive study. Findings: Seven themes emerged from the study: disregard for personhood, poor communication, democratic disqualification, lack of recognition, missing authentic leadership, attrition, and finding control. Discussion: The finding suggests African born Black nurses’ experiences are uniquely and qualitatively different from that of their American born counterparts. Creating healthy work environment require authentic nurse leaders who can influence and support others in its achievement.