Volume 13│Issue 2│Summer 2022
Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace (Healthcare) Pam Lindsey, MSN, RN—Magnet Program Director & Monica Coles, DNP, APRN, MEDSURG-BC, ACNS-BC, CDP - Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (This is part 1 of a 3 part series)
Diversity and inclusion represent two different concepts that together will create a synergetic workplace for all. Diversity focuses on the demographics of the workforce that is two-fold. It includes those that are primary, e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, and mental and physical abilities as well as those that are secondary, e.g., work background, education, communication style, socioeconomic status, marital status, native born and non-native born, military experience, religious beliefs, thinking/learning styles, geographic location, parental status, and smoker/non-smoker status. It is very important that the healthcare workforce represents the diversity of the community it serves. Inclusion represents how well an organization establishes a culture that demonstrates respect for every member of the workforce. This promotes a welcoming atmosphere, motivates employees to perform at their highest level and fosters an inclusive work environment that empowers people to be their authentic selves. A well-designed diversity and inclusion policy can enhance a company’s image and culture, attract a broader talent pool, enable better business performance across the board, assist with ensuring impartial decisions at the recruitment stage but also foster a healthier workplace where employees feel heard and supported. The goal is to ensure fairness and equity for all employees, regardless of primary or secondary characteristics; however, diversity and inclusion is an ongoing process rather than a destination. Bias, unconscious or otherwise, should not exist and should not drive decision making. Think of “Diversity” like selecting voices for a choir, there are differing musical backgrounds, vocal ranges, tones, and abilities. “Inclusion” means acknowledging that those different voices and tones are components that make up a whole and should be heard and valued for their contribution to the performance. There are many benefits to having a diverse and inclusive environment in the workplace. A diverse and inclusive workplace comprised of people from many different backgrounds tends to have a broader idea pool and variety of perspectives. Problems can be framed in different ways that lead to creative solutions across every department of the organization. A diverse workforce provides a fresh point of view. How diverse is your workplace? This question is being asked of all major companies and organizations, including healthcare organizations. ANCC and the Magnet program require all designated organizations to compare the diversity of the RN workforce to the diversity of the communities served. They are also increasing the requirements to reflect the position statement from the American Nurses Association, 2022. The American Nurses Association (ANA) recognizes progress in most national efforts to eliminate discrimination associated with race, gender, and socioeconomic status through improving access to and attainment of health care, and quality of health care. However, concerted efforts must continue for discrimination to be eliminated in all its forms. ANA recognizes impartiality begins at the level of the individual nurse and should occur within every health care organization. All nurses must recognize the potential impact of unconscious bias and practices contributing to discrimination, Continued on page 3
Carilion Clinic Roanoke Campus