Addressing Unconscious Bias: A Nurse Leader's Role

The nurse leader is ethically responsible for creating diverse and inclusive spaces for both nurses and those we care for. The leader must openly acknowledge and address the negative influence of bias and prejudice within health care organizations. This requires both an awareness of the influence of unconscious bias within the organization and appropriate actions to mitigate its impact. This process begins with an in-depth examination of one's own biases and continues through actions at the individual and organizational levels. Nurse leaders are well positioned to address and mitigate the negative influence of bias within organizations. This article discusses the influence of unconscious bias as well as strategies that the nurse leader can use to build diverse and inclusive organizations.