Despite a growing recognition of the need for diversity in providing culturally sensitive healthcare, only half of one percent of today's RNs are Native American, while less than two percent are Hispanic or Latino. In this video, seven American Indian and Hispanic/Latino nurses, both women and men, and at various stages in their careers, describe how their lives led them to nursing careers, the educational barriers and successes they experienced, and the ways in which they have used their nursing expertise to serve their families, their tribes, and their communities.
This invaluable tool for recruitment and retention presents attractive and convincing role models not only for high school and college students of color who might be considering nursing careers, but for those already in the work force as well. It also carries an important message for other students, clinicians, and administrators regarding the need for greater awareness of diverse cultural beliefs and understandings about the body, illness, and healthcare. Produced by the Intercollegiate College of Nursing, Washington State University College of Nursing.
"Absolutely the best recruitment video for minority students I have ever seen. The very positive images of nurses describing how being a nurse fits into their respective cultures and their family and community lives will be tremendously helpful." Anne M. Hirsch, DNS, ARNP
"I was not prepared for the emotional impact of hearing all those stories one on top of the other. This marvelous piece of work hits the issues that are in the minds of people who might be deciding about nursing. It does not mince words about the difficulties, yet it offers hope."Noel J. Chrisman, Phd, MPH
"As the founder and former director of Linfield School of Nursing's Transcultural Nursing Program, I can wholeheartedly say that I wish this had been available sooner! Your sensitive and compelling work will serve as a much needed tool to aid in mentoring and bringing Hispanic young people into nursing."Dawn Doutrich, RN, PhD
"This is an outstanding video and it should be used in middle schools, high schools, church youth groups, technical and community colleges. It addresses many important issues including health disparities and the urgent need to recruit people from diverse cultural backgrounds to the field of nursing."Kim Field, RN, MSN, Washington State Department of Health
"A quietly forceful recruitment tool. All nursing students, no matter their ethnic culture, should view this program. It is recommended not just for recruitment, but for cultural competency in the classroom. Highly Recommended."Educational Media Reviews Online
