A Nursing Workforce Initiative: Increasing the Latino/Hispanic BSN Workforce

Area of Science:

• Nursing Workforce Diversity
• Health Equity
• Healthcare Disparities

Background:

• Latinos are projected to be 28% of the U.S. population by 2060, yet only 5.4% of registered nurses are Latino.
• Underrepresentation of Latino nurses contrasts with Institute of Medicine recommendations for a diverse healthcare workforce to enhance health outcomes.
• The growth of the Latino nursing workforce lags significantly behind the demographic growth of the Latino population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the development and implementation of the BAMA-Latino Project (BAMA-L).
• To address the critical need for increased diversity within the registered nurse workforce.
• To support the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and University of Alabama's partnership goals.

Main Methods:

• The BAMA-Latino Project (BAMA-L) was established through a partnership between the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and the University of Alabama.
• The program is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration.
• Focus on increasing the number of baccalaureate-prepared registered nurses from Latino backgrounds.

Main Results:

• The article presents the foundational strategies and operational execution of the BAMA-L initiative.
• Data on the program's progress in increasing Latino registered nurse enrollment and graduation will be detailed.
• The initiative aims to create a replicable model for enhancing nursing workforce diversity.

Conclusions:

• The BAMA-Latino Project (BAMA-L) is a crucial initiative to address Latino underrepresentation in nursing.
• Increasing diversity in the nursing workforce is essential for improving health outcomes for the growing Latino population.
• The project's development and implementation offer insights into strategies for diversifying healthcare professions.