Building an Equity-Centered Nursing Leadership Workforce: A Framework for Transformative Change

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Leadership
• Workforce Diversity

Background:

• Racial and ethnic disparities persist in the nursing workforce.
• Systemic barriers like implicit bias and racism impede career progression for underrepresented nurses.
• A diverse nursing workforce is essential for meeting the needs of diverse patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce the Equity-Centered Nursing Leadership Framework (ECNLF).
• Provide a structured approach to advance diversity in the nursing workforce.
• Offer strategies for dismantling systemic inequities and creating sustainable leadership pathways.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual and theoretical analysis of nursing leadership and workforce equity.
• Literature synthesis of research, policy reports, and theoretical frameworks.
• Integrative approach to conceptualize the ECNLF, examining systemic inequities and identifying barriers.

Main Results:

• The ECNLF integrates equity-driven leadership development into nursing education and practice.
• Key pillars include structured mentorship, leadership development, and policy advocacy.
• Supports formal mentorship programs for career advancement and leadership training for underrepresented nurses.

Conclusions:

• Systemic change requires integrating equity into nursing curricula and DEI initiatives.
• Expand policy-driven funding for leadership development.
• The ECNLF offers a scalable model to reduce workforce disparities and foster inclusive nursing leadership.