Bias in the nursing workplace: implications for Latino(a) nurses

The nursing shortage coupled with health inequities makes it imperative to retain nurses from diverse backgrounds in the workplace. Since Latinos are the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in the U.S., the issue is of particular importance. Thus, the purpose of this study was to measure the prevalence of bias in the nursing workplace as experienced by Latino(a) nurses. This descriptive study of Latino(a) nurses measured the prevalence of bias, its relationship to nurse retention in the nursing workplace, and additional factors in the workplace that were associated with bias. Results included that Latino(a) nurses both experienced and witnessed bias on a regular basis, along with negative comments by peers about their ethnicity. Significant correlations were found between experiences of bias and the study variables of witnessing bias, perceived levels of support, and time planning to remain in the workplace. As the nursing shortage continues and increases in severity, retaining nurses becomes as important as creating new nurses. Nurse managers, hospital administrators, and nurse educators must develop strategies to educate staff and promote non-biased interactions between nurses in the workplace, as well as to support nurses from diverse backgrounds.