The Decolonization of Nursing Education

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Cultural Competence
• Health Equity

Background:

• The current era, marked by COVID-19 and heightened awareness of racial injustice, necessitates a critical re-evaluation of nursing education.
• There is an urgent need for sustainable policies and programs to ensure culturally competent care for diverse populations.
• Subtle, unintentional racist biases can impact healthcare policy, practice, research, and education, underscoring the importance of addressing them.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide recommendations for faculty and academia to decolonize nursing education.
• To advocate for the intentional creation of sustainable policies and programs for culturally competent care.
• To encourage open dialogue and the celebration of diversity within nursing education.

Main Methods:

• Recommending the formation of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) committees in all nursing schools.
• Suggesting the integration of Social Determinants of Health into the curriculum.
• Advocating for the identification and mitigation of microaggressions and the development of mentorship programs.

Main Results:

• DEI committees can facilitate the integration of Social Determinants of Health.
• DEI committees can address microaggressions and foster mentorship opportunities.
• Open communication and the celebration of diversity are essential for an inclusive educational environment.

Conclusions:

• Decolonizing nursing education is a moral and ethical imperative.
• Intentional efforts are required to create equitable and culturally competent healthcare systems.
• Nursing faculty must actively combat biases to prevent prejudicial outcomes in practice and education.