The voice of Black academic nurse leaders in the United States: A qualitative study

Background: Black and African American people make up a little over 13% of the United States population. Black nurses represent 7.8% of US nurses and 8.7% of nursing faculty. The exact percentage of Black nurses in academic leadership cannot be ascertained. Studies indicate the need to diversify nursing at every level including academic nursing leadership. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the everyday lived experiences of Black academic nurse leaders in the United States through the Critical Race Theory perspectives. Methods: A qualitative narrative research study design was employed for the study. Data were collected from 34 Black academic nurse leaders using unstructured interview. Results: The findings of the study were classified under six major themes; the path to academic leadership, we need trust and support, the pressure for positive representation, uppity Black nurse, and treading a thin line. Conclusions: This study provides an insight into the insights into the intersection of race and gendered experiences of Black academic nurse leaders. Nursing education is in a unique position to maximize the human capital potential of Black nurses in the workplace, especially those graduating from graduate programs around the country.