Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 23, 2025
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
African Nova Scotian nurses' perceptions and experiences of leadership: a qualitative study informed by Black
Keisha Jefferies1, Ruth Martin-Misener2, Gail Tomblin Murphy2
1School of Nursing (Jefferies, Martin-Misener, Tomblin Murphy), Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University; Research and Innovation (Tomblin Murphy), Nova Scotia Health; Mount Saint Vincent University (Gahagan); School of Social Work (Thomas Bernard), Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS keisha.jefferies@dal.ca.
Background:
People of African Nova Scotian (ANS) ancestry are a culturally distinct group who experience numerous socioeconomic inequities and health disparities, secondary to structural and social determinants of health. Understanding the experiences of ANS health practitioners is important in addressing anti-Black racism in health care. We sought to critically examine the leadership experiences of ANS nurses in health care practice.
Methods:
We used Black feminist theory to guide this qualitative study. We conducted 1-on-1 semistructured telephone interviews with ANS nurses and analyzed interview transcripts using Critical Discourse Analysis.
Results:
We interviewed 18 nurses of ANS ancestry. We conceptualized study findings in 3 overarching areas: People of ANS ancestry as a distinct people, institution of care, and leadership philosophy and practice. Each area, and its corresponding themes and subthemes, illustrated an emergent understanding of factors that influence leadership among ANS nurses, such as socialization, early exposure to care and diversity in health care. Participants perceived and practised leadership in a manner that transcended formal titles or designations.
Interpretation:
African Nova Scotian ancestry is implicated in the perception and practice of leadership among ANS nurses, who considered leadership to be a fundamental component of nursing practice that was grounded in community-oriented care. This study provides new insights that could inform recruitment, retention and representation of ANS people in nursing and other health professions.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Theoretical Foundations of Nursing Practice
Theories provide a perspective to assess patients' conditions and organize data and methods. They also assist in analyzing and interpreting information. They represent a...
01:08Obedience
01:27Nursing Ethical Principles II
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's...
01:29Professional Values
The values that are the foundation of the nursing profession are altruism, autonomy, human dignity, and social justice.
First, altruism refers to the concern for the welfare and well-being of others without personal...
01:22Nursing Ethical Principles I
Autonomy
Autonomy underscores the significance of a patient's self-determination and freedom from external control. In healthcare, respecting...
01:30National Nursing Organizations II
The AACN emphasizes a healthy work environment through six standards to achieve an optimal patient outcome. The standards are appropriate staffing, meaningful recognition, collaboration, authentic leadership, effective communication, and decision-making. In addition, AACN provides certification programs, webinars, journals, and...