Voices of change: Perspectives from nurse scientists on dismantling systemic racism

Calls to address systemic racism in health care, nursing, academia, and science are increasing. Anti-racism actions in nursing are emerging as essential strategies to mitigate inequities.

This paper describes an innovative approach undertaken by the Betty Irene Moore fellowship to prepare nurse leaders that can recognize and resolve systemic racism and health inequities.

The fellowship employed a curriculum guided by an action-oriented cultural humility framework that included iterative improvements after each cohort's training.

The fellowship created an environment conducive to learning and relationship-building while delivering a rigorous curriculum. Upon reflection, fellows were able to articulate their growth across personal or individual, interpersonal, and organizational or institutional levels.

The fellowship's efforts underscore the need for leadership training opportunities that promote anti-racist practices. Current anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion policies highlight the necessity of advocacy among nurses as current efforts to dismantle systemic racism and fulfill nursing's professional obligations are actively impeded.