Creating an inclusive environment for black and minority ethnic nurses

Black and minority ethnic nurses are an important part of today's NHS and acknowledging the part that they play and creating an environment where they feel valued is essential for multiprofessional working. Celebration of the diversity that nurses from different ethnic backgrounds bring to nursing care and to team working is often absent from the cultural environment in which nurses work. In fact, nurses can feel discriminated against and feel that their ethnic background is adversely affecting their career progression (Beishon et al, 1995). Creating a culturally competent environment should be central to the ethos of the NHS and cultural awareness and cultural empowerment are key components of an enhanced level of cultural competence. Education and career development opportunities are essential in enhancing confidence and self-esteem and in creating career progression equality for nurses from different ethnic backgrounds.