Increasing Diversity in the Advanced Practice Nursing Workforce Through Partnerships With Historically Black Colleges

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Equity
• Workforce Diversity

Background:

• Health inequities necessitate nursing workforce diversification.
• Recruitment strategies have not sufficiently increased the percentage of Black nurse practitioners (NPs).
• Barriers include lack of faculty diversity, under-resourced educational opportunities, and historical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a pathway program designed to increase Black student representation in advanced practice nursing education.
• To address systemic barriers hindering diversity in the nursing workforce.

Main Methods:

• A 1-week summer immersion program was implemented for undergraduate RN students from two historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
• The program was hosted at a graduate school of nursing within a predominantly White institution.
• Focus was on preparation, recruitment, and support for Black students entering advanced practice nursing.

Main Results:

• Pathway programs show promise in preparing Black students for advanced nursing roles.
• The program increased awareness of graduate nursing opportunities.
• Race and ethnicity concordant mentorship was a key component.

Conclusions:

• Pathway programs are effective in cultivating awareness for health equity among Black nursing students.
• These initiatives can help diversify the nurse practitioner workforce.
• Successful programs foster a deeper understanding of health disparities and equitable care.