Black and Brown Male Excellence in Nursing
I am a highly skilled and talented Afro-Latina nurse. I know I am not the only nurse leader of color out here working hard and playing harder. Throughout my life, in my previous career as an educator and in my nursing career, I have known I am not the only one, even though I was the only one.
The only one in my class or program.
The only one in my unit or organization.
The only one.
I have always known my people have, and are achieving, excellence despite the lack of recognition and opportunity afforded to us. Our contributions in history were erased, omitted, deleted, stolen, and now banned and made illegal.
Since the pandemic, I have increased my intentionality and concerted efforts to look for and connect with Black, Latine, Native American, and American Indian Pacific Islander nurses and communities to advocate, celebrate, recognize, and sponsor excellence and the tremendous potential of our power.
Podcast Episode
>>Listen to "Black and Brown Male Excellence in Nursing with Dr. Tina Loarte-Rodriguez and 4 Guests"
Nurses of Color Belong Everwhere Decisions Are Made
I know nurses, especially nurses of color, belong everywhere decisions about people are made. I am committed to using my privilege, power, and influence to amplify the stories of excellence in my people and communities. This is my purpose and intention for my first podcast episode, “We Are Here: Black and Brown Male Excellence in Nursing.” In this episode, I and four Black and Brown male nurses discuss their unique experiences in the nursing profession. My episode guests include,
Michael Williams, Ph.D., MBA/HCM, RN
Theo Jones, MSN, FNP-BC
Asa T. Briggs, DNP
Timothy Onserio, DNP, PCPM, APRN, FNP-C, CRNP
Statistics on Black Men in Nursing
The nursing profession does not reflect the beautiful diversity within our country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
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Less than 8 percent of nurses identify as Latine.
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Black nurses make up 14.5%.
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Men account for around 12% of nurses nationwide.
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Yet the number of Black and Latine male nurses cannot be counted due to their small numbers.
Let me repeat that.
The number of Black and Latine male nurses cannot be counted due to their small numbers.
History of Men in Nursing
Here’s a quick history lesson. Men have always been a part of the nursing profession. In ancient Rome and during the Crusades, men cared for the sick. Monks provided most of the care in early nursing. Men helped build hospitals and provide care to the ill and injured. However, Florence Nightingale changed the perception of nursing in the mid-1800s. Her work with wounded soldiers during the Crimean War created the idea of nursing as a role for White females. Since then, nursing has been dominated by White females.
@nurse.org Nurses of Color belong where decisions are being made. 🎙️ In this episode of Nurse Converse, Dr. Loarte-Rodriguez is joined by four Black male nurses: Theo Jones, Dr. Timothy Onserio, Dr. Michael Williams and Dr. Asa Briggs.She discusses the lack of diversity in the nursing profession, particularly the underrepresentation of Black Men in nursing. ➡️ Make sure to SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW the podcast for a chance to win 1 of TWO $50 Amazon gift cards. 🎧 Listen to the full episode titled, “Black and Brown Male Excellence in Nursing with Dr. Tina Loarte-Rodriguez and 4 Guests” 🔍 Search “Nurse Converse” on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Or, visit the podcast webpage at ➡️ nurse.org/podcast ⬅️ If you want to hear more from Dr. Loarte-Rodriguez make sure to leave the podcast a 5 star rating and a positive review - mention DR. TINA LOARTE-RODRIGUEZ in your review. #nurses #nurse #blacknurse #malenurse #diversity #dnpsofcolor #dnp #nursepodcast #podcast #podcastclip ♬ original sound - nurse.org
The Number of Black Men in Nursing is Increasing
The lack of gender diversity in the nursing profession negatively affects the delivery of nursing care and, subsequently, patient health outcomes. The continued underrepresentation of men in nursing increases the likelihood that a large segment of care recipients may perceive that their needs do not matter or are not fully addressed. The nursing profession must reflect the rich and diverse population it serves in age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and language.
Fortunately, despite bias and stereotypes, the number of black men in nursing is increasing.
I invite you all to learn more about and support The Network of Black Male Nurse Leaders (NBMNL). NBMNL is committed to empowering Black male nurses by providing a robust support system, offering mentorship opportunities, and advocating for professional growth. They aim to inspire and nurture future generations of nursing leaders who will advocate for diversity and drive innovation in healthcare, ensuring quality care for all communities.
As a proud and contributing member to a few professional nursing organizations committed to nurses of color, I welcome you to become familiar with and support,
Additional ethnic nursing professional organizations include:
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National Alaska Native American Indian Nurses Association (NANAINA)
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The National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations (NCEMNA)
Black and Brown male nurses are here, and they are excellent.
How will you be an ally to them?
