The recruitment and retention of African American nurses: an analysis of current data

The Recruitment and Retention of African American Nurses: An Analysis of Current Data reviews data collected by the American Nurses Association. During the years 1984-85, 1987-88, and 1990-91, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, and The National League for Nursing observed trends in minority participation in nursing. Trends regarding African American nurses are emphasized. Data categories analyzed include: (1) registered nurses in practice; (2) admissions, enrollments, and graduations from undergraduate programs of all types; and (3) masters and doctoral enrollment. Detail analysis is performed for African American participation in baccalaureate programs, with a particular focus on the role of nursing programs in historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU). The data demonstrate that there has been growth in the numbers of African American and other minority groups entering nursing and completing undergraduate nursing programs. However, representation is below parity for the minority group's membership in American society. One interesting finding is that HBCUs graduate approximately 25% of African American nurses yearly despite the fact that they enroll less than 3% of the students in baccalaureate programs. The data also suggest a severe underrepresentation of minorities enrolled in masters and doctoral programs [corrected].