Workplace discrimination among Muslim nurses in the United States: a qualitative content analysis

To analyze narratives of workplace discrimination among Muslim nurses in the United States and identify themes shaping their experiences in clinical settings.

This study is a qualitative content analysis of a single open-ended question embedded within a larger quantitative survey of Muslim nurses.

Muslim registered nurses working in the United States were recruited through national organizations, social media platforms, and healthcare networks. Data were collected between December 2023 and April 2024 using an online survey that included a single open-ended question on experiences of discrimination. A total of 74 responses were received, of which 59 were substantive and were retained for analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed using inductive content analysis to identify themes in participants' narratives.

The analysis yielded three themes: pre-discrimination factors, discrimination events, and post-event responses. These themes are comprised of seven categories: identity, antecedents, environmental influences, discriminatory actors and actions, consequences of discrimination, staff and management responses, and coping strategies. Participants identified patients as the most frequent source of discrimination, followed by colleagues and institutions. These encounters shaped by visible religious identity and sociopolitical context, with consequences spanning emotional distress, professional challenges, and career disruption. In response, participants employed a range of coping strategies, including employment-related decisions, emotion-focused avoidance, impression management, positive self-identification as a Muslim, and advocacy. Where supportive leadership, culturally aware colleagues, and inclusive environments were present, participants reported a lower perception of discrimination.

Workplace discrimination among Muslim nurses is a complex and ongoing phenomenon shaped by intersecting religious, racial, and gender identities and sociopolitical and organizational contexts. Participants self-reported that it undermined their perceived well-being and professional experiences, while those in inclusive, supportive workplaces reported a lower perception of discrimination.