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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Sabrina J. Robinson, RN, MS, College of Nursing, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs BLVD, MDC 22, Tampa, FL 33612, 8133906408, srobinso@hsc.usf.edu and Marilyn M. Williams, BA, MS, Environmental and Occupational Health, University of South Florida, 13201 Bruce B. Downs BLVD, MDC 56, Tampa, FL 33612.

S. Robinson PhD student, anticipated graduation date 12/15/07 M. Williams PhD student, anticipated graduation date 05/05/2007

Recent attention has been drawn to the nursing shortage in the United States (U.S.). Approximately 1% of the U.S. population can be identified as registered nurses (RN(s)) with 12.3% of those belonging to a racial and/or ethnic minority group. Studies have identified the need for nurses, but have not specifically addressed the disparity issues among racial and ethnic minority nurses in relation to the racial and ethnic minority population. Additionally, a lack of recruitment and retention of racial and ethnic minority nurses has been identified as a cause of this disparity among racial and ethnic minority RNs.

Diversifying health professions has been identified as a top priority sparked by the changing demographics of the U.S. population. The lack of racial and ethnic minorities in nursing requires attention, therefore we are evaluating the racial and ethnic composition of the U.S. population in comparison to the RN workforce. In addition, we are examining the racial and ethnic population of RNs in comparison to the racial and ethnic proportion of the general population.

Historical trend in nursing, where non-minorities primarily provide patient care to racial and ethnic minorities has bred mistrust. Increased cultural competency in the nursing workforce is a strategy to improve patient outcomes. Furthermore increased racial and ethnic representation of minority RNs that mirror the population in which they serve as well as increased culturally competent RNs can lead to improved healthcare for the entire U.S. population.

Learning Objectives:

• Examine the ratio of ethnic/racial minority RNs to the US population.
• Describe the effect of cultural competence on patient care in the minority population.
• Examine the ratio of ethnic/racial minority RNs to the ethnic/racial proportion of the general population.

Keywords: Cultural Competency, Nurses

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered