Exploring diversity in nursing education: research findings

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Sociology
• Demographics

Background:

• Projected significant decrease in the non-Hispanic White population by 2060.
• Anticipated broad societal impacts of changing US demographics.
• The critical need for nursing curricula to incorporate diversity due to these demographic shifts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey nursing schools on their diversity initiatives.
• To assess the extent to which baccalaureate nursing programs are addressing diversity in their curricula.

Main Methods:

• A purposeful sample of 13 nursing schools was surveyed.
• Schools were selected from NLNAC-accredited institutions adhering to diversity mandates.

Main Results:

• Findings indicate that baccalaureate nursing schools are actively working to incorporate diversity.
• The study observed efforts by these institutions to address diversity in their educational programs.

Conclusions:

• Baccalaureate nursing schools are making efforts to integrate diversity into their curricula.
• Further research is needed to determine if these diversity efforts are deeply embedded or superficial.