Paucity of Black Nurse Leaders: A Challenge for Black Nurses’ Advancement in Nursing Profession.”

<b>Title: Paucity of Black Nurse Leaders: A Challenge for Black Nurses’ Advancement in Nursing Profession.</b><b>Background</b>The overall number ethnic minority nurses (EMN) have increased in the United States (US), the number EMN leaders has remained significantly low. The lack of EMN in leadership and academia is cited as one of the reasons for poor success of EM students, career advancement, and consequently continued health disparity. Some studies reported that Black Nurses (BNs) are not motivated to seek these positions.<br><b>Purpose</b>The purpose of the study is to answer the research questions; <br>Are the perceptions of racism an impediment for BNs motivation to seek leadership and faculty position? Is lack of BN leaders and faculty a barrier to BNs motivation to seek leadership and faculty positions? <br><b>Design/methods</b>A focused ethnographic study of 27 BNs was conducted to answer the above research questions using semi structured interview. BNs working in different health care setting were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling. Thematic data analysis was performed using the method described by Burnard and colleagues.<br><b>Results</b>Findings revealed themes related to perceived and experienced racism, institutional factors, and leadership dynamics which contributed to the nurses’ failure to seek leadership opportunities although they are experientially and academically qualified. Disengagement and low morale are a culminating effect of their experiences. The finding indicate that the lack of BN leaders and faculty influenced the intentions of some of the nurses in the study to seek leadership or faculty positions. Although more than half of the participant have advance degrees in nursing they still practice at the bedside, most not by choice. However, most of them indicate that given the opportunity and support they will not hesitate to assume these roles.<br><b>Significance of findings</b>Increased enrollment and graduation of BNs has not translated into representation in nursing leadership and academia. Professional socialization is essential for professional growth. Lack of BN leaders and faculty conveys a message that BNs and students should not to aspire to these levels in nursing. Real inclusion into the profession sends the message that BNs’ contributions to the profession is valued. Nurse leaders have significant roles to play in supporting BNs in academia and practice through meaning inclusion and engagement.