Minority nurses are uniquely positioned to leverage their influence to help combat racial disparities in the healthcare industry. As climate change increasingly and disproportionately affects people of color, empowering minority nurses through environmental health education is becoming imperative.
Through educational initiatives, minority nurses can help counter environmental racism and its associated adverse health outcomes. In this article, we’ll examine racial disparities in climate change, why environmental education is important, and how minority nurses can take action to affect greater change.
Disparities in the Impact of Climate Change
Numerous studies and research on racial disparities have made it evident that climate change disproportionately affects people who suffer from socioeconomic inequalities.
Air pollution poses the most significant threat to children of all races, but it’s particularly problematic for racial and ethnic groups in poor communities who face higher exposure to pollutants. Children in these communities are at higher risk because they’re lower to the ground and thus more likely to breathe the toxic air that stays close to the Earth’s surface. Babies are also at higher risk because they have weaker immune systems and need clean air to develop and grow in a healthy way.
As a whole, 75% of African American people are more likely than white people to live in communities with higher odor traffic, carbon emissions, and other harmful pollutants, which can cause numerous health problems, including asthma and cardiovascular disease.
Ocean acidification is also an issue due to increased CO2 levels, disproportionately affecting indigenous coastal communities whose diets rely on seafood. An increase in natural disasters as a result of climate change also has a more significant effect on minorities in lower-income communities due to fewer resources and inadequate infrastructure.
Recent reports from the EPA have also shown that Black people are 40% more likely to suffer higher mortality rates due to living in places that are more affected by extreme temperatures driven by climate change. The study also analyzed various American cities, revealing that Black people are 41-59% more likely to die due to poor air quality.
Education Is Key to Environmental Stewardship for Minority Nurses
As climate change worsens, incorporating environmental awareness in nursing education will be vital to improving minority patient care and community outcomes. Minority nurses play an essential part in representing and speaking for these communities, so they must educate themselves to ensure they’re empowered to serve their community through diverse healthcare initiatives.
Many nursing programs already recognize the need to increase environmental health literacy to empower future nurses and improve public health outcomes. Nurses are in a powerful position to act as environmental stewards to help reduce the healthcare industry’s carbon footprint and improve patient care for minority communities disproportionately affected by climate change.
Though only 16.8% of the RN workforce is from minority backgrounds, many voices still have the power to push for change, especially if they’re more educated on environmental issues and how they affect minority health outcomes.
Education on environmental laws is paramount, as these can affect how medical facilities are run and impact patient outcomes. For example, the Clean Air Act (CAA) regulates air emissions in healthcare facilities, and the Clean Water Act (CWA) regulates the discharge of pollutants into local bodies of water.
Nurses must ensure that these laws are being followed, especially in minority communities that are already disproportionately affected by pollution and air and water quality.
How Minority Nurses Can Take Action
Healthcare doesn’t happen in a vacuum. When engaging with patients, nurses should consider additional factors that could affect their health, such as their race and where they live. Minority nurses, in particular, can advocate for patients of color, especially if white practitioners overlook the disparities they face.
This is the intersection of nursing and justice. Nurses and even other healthcare professionals are responsible for educating themselves and understanding how various factors can heavily impact communities.
Nurses must proactively educate themselves and raise awareness to promote a more culturally responsive healthcare system. Likewise, educators must promote environmental awareness and understanding of racial disparities by expanding learning opportunities, recruiting support for more diverse nurses, and strengthening diversification in health education programs.
However, minority nurses can also act by joining organizations like Health Care Without Harm and the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments. Many local communities also offer sustainability and public health advocacy groups that provide numerous resources and opportunities for continuing education. Joining these groups and organizations can help minority nurses become better advocates in their communities and practices.
Final Thoughts
As a minority nurse, it is important to seek opportunities to improve patient outcomes. This includes asking patients about the disparities they may be facing and listening to what they have to say. Nurses should also be aware of culturally insensitive workplace practices so they can speak up if something happens.
Getting involved in advocacy groups and supportive organizations helps, but a critical part of enacting change is being proactive in the workplace to address racial disparities as they occur. This obligation applies not just to minority nurses but to all practitioners who recognize when a patient is being affected or mistreated.
Technology can significantly help nursing students learn the complexities of nursing practice or act as a source of frustration that takes valuable time away from education. Here is a brief look at some of the technologies in use in nursing education, the impact of AI, and practical tips for using educational technology effectively.
Tech in Use
Technologies advancing nursing education include simulations and virtual reality. “Simulations are a cornerstone in nursing education, offering students a risk-free environment to practice clinical skills and make critical decisions,” according to Sandra Russo, PhD, RN, director of the nursing program at Touro School of Health Sciences. She notes that the simulations at her school involve high-fidelity mannequins, standardized patients, and scenario-based learning that closely mimic real-life situations.
According to Russo, virtual reality creates immersive scenarios, and its ability to provide repetitive practice in a controlled environment ensures that students are well-prepared for various clinical situations. Virtual reality has the advantage of engaging students in multiple locations in one virtual environment, notes John J. Gallagher, DNP, RN, CCNS, CCRN, professor/clinical nurse specialist, program director for simulation strategy and innovation, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. This eliminates barriers related to travel to a specific location, he suggests and can support interdisciplinary education hampered by differing schedules and sites.
Russo notes that other technologies include mobile apps, games-based learning platforms, and in-class participation tools such as clickers.
AI Arrives
Today, educators are beginning to see AI used in high-fidelity simulation, where AI can provide a dynamic learning experience based on a student’s action, notes Shermel Edwards-Maddox, PhD, RN, CNE, RN-BC, clinical assistant professor, Andy & Barbara Gessner College of Nursing, University of Houston. From a faculty perspective, she notes, AI can be used to help write case studies and simulation scenarios, help develop NCLEX-style exam questions, and aid in plagiarism detection.
AI can save time with specific tasks such as creating forms, course descriptions, checklists, and evaluations. Still, according to Gallagher, it has significant limitations in performing functions such as critical analysis and comparison of ideas/concepts. Appropriate integration of AI into coursework is essential to prepare students to use this tool, according to Gallagher, while setting limits on its use in completing assignments. AI isn’t without its challenges, agrees Maddox, who warns of its potential to facilitate academic dishonesty.
Practical Guidance
When it comes to deciding whether to use technology, educators need to ask the question, “Why use this technology over a different method?” according to Kate Lindley, MSN, RN, CHSOS, CHSE, national simulation director at Rasmussen University. Sometimes,” she notes, “simple tools can be more effective than high-tech solutions.” Basic simulations, for instance, might be more suited for teaching fundamental skills, while advanced VR scenarios can be used for complex clinical situations.
Educators need to align technology with educational objectives and allow it to complement other teaching methods, notes Jenna Sissom, MSN-Ed, RN, assistant professor, school of nursing at Lipscomb University. “More technology does not equal more learning,” she says.
“Take one piece of technology at a time,” suggests Maddox. She notes that using the department’s instructional designer can be a way to get nursing faculty familiar and on board with using technology.
“Faculty do not adopt new technology easily,” notes Sunny G. Hallowell, PhD, APRN, PPCNP-BC, associate professor and nurse practitioner, Villanova University. She notes that faculty and students have to succeed in the basic operation of technology before they can become comfortable using it for learning. Faculty must “clearly articulate the learning objectives to be achieved by using a new technology, rather than to apply an innovation because it is new,” she says.
Nurses have the opportunity to advance their degrees, which allows them to pursue other jobs within the nursing field. Completing a master’s in nursing (MSN) allows nurses to practice with greater autonomy, hold a higher position in leadership, or educate future nurses.
Types of MSN Degrees
There are numerous types of MSN degrees, making it essential to know your long-term goals as a nurse before selecting which path you will follow.
Now that you know more about an MSN, why should you pursue one? Below, I have provided ten reasons why you should advance your degree; please note that these are in no particular order.
Higher Salary
Nurses with an MSN typically make more than nurses with a BSN or associate’s degree, often due to the increased responsibility and advanced degree. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average starting salary for an MSN-prepared nurse practitioner, CRNA, or nurse midwife is $129,480 per year or $62.25 per hour.
Specialization
Having an MSN allows you to become an expert by specializing in nursing. For example, if you become a nurse practitioner, you can specialize in family medicine, adult gerontology, pediatrics acute care, psychiatric-mental health, etc. You can also specialize in anesthesia as a CRNA, as well as education or leadership.
Impact on the Healthcare System and Policy
As an MSN-prepared nurse, you will have the opportunity to impact the healthcare system and healthcare policy in a greater capacity. This is achieved through active membership in professional organizations such as your state’s nursing association, attending local and state public meetings, reaching out to state representatives, and advocating for positive nursing and healthcare policy changes.
Ongoing Education and Learning
To maintain your MSN, you must complete a specified number of continuing education credits every couple of years. This will ensure you stay current on changes in healthcare and utilize the most up-to-date information in your daily practice. If you work in leadership or education, education credits are specific to these areas to ensure best practices are used.
Leadership Roles
Part of the MSN curriculum is to develop further leadership skills, which is why most leadership roles, or those higher up in the healthcare system, require an MSN. Examples of these leadership roles include office manager, director of nursing, and CNO.
Job Opportunities
An MSN degree will lead to more job opportunities regardless of the degree pursued. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job outlook for NPs, nurse midwives, and CRNAs will increase by 38%, which is higher than average.
Career Advancement
If desired, an MSN degree leads to career advancement as a nurse. An MSN allows you to work in higher education, pursue leadership roles such as a nurse manager or even chief nursing officer (CNO), or become a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, nurse midwife, or CRNA. These roles will lead to higher salaries, increased responsibility, and a greater impact on healthcare.
Job Satisfaction
Nurses with MSN degrees typically have greater job satisfaction. This may be due to the ability to specialize in an area of nursing they are passionate about or the increased salary, autonomy, and responsibility. In 2017, advanced practice nurses were surveyed and found that 96% of NPs and 97% of CRNAs were happy with their jobs. When asked if they would choose the profession again, 82% of NPs and 80% of CRNAs said yes.
Increased Responsibility
Nurses with an MSN degree often have increased responsibility. This can include prescribing medication, developing treatment plans, educating future nurses, or administering anesthesia to surgical patients.
Opportunity to Practice Autonomously
Completing a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can result in greater autonomy in nursing practice. This is evident in roles such as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners. For nurse practitioners specifically, each state has its scope of practice. Some states still restrict the practice of NPs, while others grant NPs full practice authority and the ability to work independently.
Obtaining your MSN can lead to more job opportunities, higher salary, and greater job satisfaction. So, what are you waiting for to take the next step in your career?
Nursing education can be a lifelong process. When you started, you may have earned your LPN, RN, or BSN, and you moved forward into your career with all sorts of hopes, goals, and aspirations. You may have wanted to work in a particular specialty, had your sights set on the traveler lifestyle, or were focused on making sure you could pay the bills, give your kids a good life, and plan for your eventual retirement.
During the many years of your career, you may have chosen to pursue various certifications, joined workplace committees, and accumulated countless skills and competencies. But how do you know when it’s time to advance your education?
The Educational Edge
Going back to school is a big decision with far-reaching implications. There’s the financial cost, of course. Still, there’s also the time commitment, the potential inconvenience to your family, and how going to school and working can complicate your life unless you’re lucky enough to be in the position to take time off from work while you’re back in school.
For LPNs/LVNs, the decision to return to school can directly relate to wanting more career mobility. Many acute care and other facilities only employ RNs, and if you want to move up the nursing career ladder, earning your RN can be a very practical step, with the added benefit of increasing your earning potential.
When you have your RN, advancing to a BSN can boost your earnings, and we know that some facilities lean much more heavily toward nurses with a BSN. In the original 2011 Future of Nursing Report by the National Academy of Medicine, the recommendation was for the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses to be increased by 80% by 2020. The 2020 updated report states that the number of nurses with a BSN has now surpassed the number with an associate’s degree.
The same 2020 report also makes the following statements:
“…Nationally, a higher percentage of Black/African American, Hispanic, and particularly Asian RNs relative to White RNs have a BSN,” and “proportionately, more Black/African American and Asian RNs than White and Hispanic RNs have a master’s degree, or a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) or a PhD in nursing.”
The report adds, “Analysis of data from the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) shows that between 2010 and 2017, the number of RNs who obtained a doctoral degree increased rapidly, with those obtaining a DNP far outnumbering those obtaining a PhD.”
And finally, “…the proportionate growth among POC RNs was even greater. For example, the number of Black/African American RNs who obtained a DNP increased from 139 in 2010 to 826 in 2017 (a nearly 5,000 percent increase), while the number earning a PhD increased from 52 to 107 (105 percent) over this same period.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), registered nurses (without distinguishing between RNs and BSNs) earned a median annual salary of $86,070 in 2023. Meanwhile, nurse practitioners enjoyed a mean yearly wage of $128,490. For nurse anesthetists (a specialty that requires a doctoral degree), we see an annual base salary of $183,025.
We can conclude that educational advancement in nursing most definitely impacts earning potential. As we can see from the statistics, nurses of color have been increasingly embracing the career mobility offered by advancing their education. This translates into a more educated nursing workforce and likely a more competitive job market based on the proportions of nurses who have that extra educational edge.
Taking the Plunge
So, when do you go back to school? Is it best when the kids are young, or do you wait until they’re teenagers and need you less? If your spouse is shouldering more of the childrearing burden, how will that impact their life and career?
Like anyone else, nurses may find themselves caring for elderly parents, possibly while also raising children. What do you do if you’re a so-called “sandwich generation” member?
There’s also the question of getting older. How does it feel to return to school in your 30s instead of your 50s or 60s? How much energy does it take, and can you summon the stamina for what’s to come?
When it comes to choosing between strictly online learning, a “brick-and-mortar” school, or a hybrid program, making the right choice is imperative. Sometimes, getting out of the house and sitting in a classroom is a welcome break from the distractions of home. Online learning can be convenient, but if kids run around and have constant messes to clean up, you might find it hard to get any schoolwork done.
Whether it’s timing, cost, type of program, or other concerns, there’s a lot to consider when advancing your nursing education is on the table. Considering the potential benefits and weighing your options, you’ll decide what makes sense for your career. School isn’t for everyone, but for those who take the plunge, it can open countless doors along the nursing career pathway.
While much of the world has moved forward from the pandemic, the healthcare industry grapples with a significant shortage. The growing and less discussed shortage of nurse educators extends beyond the well-known nursing shortage. This critical gap threatens the future of nursing itself. As burnout, chronic stress, and compassion fatigue from the pandemic have led more nurses to exit the workforce, the pool of those nurses seeking to advance into educational roles becomes increasingly limited.
A recent survey by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) revealed a startling reality: over 1,900 full-time faculty vacancies across 922 nursing schools in the U.S. This shortfall severely limits the ability of many institutions to enroll and train new nurses, compromising the quality of education and the overall healthcare system’s ability to meet evolving demand. Addressing this shortage is not just about filling vacancies; it is about safeguarding the future of nursing and, by extension, the health of our communities.
The Hidden Crisis: Why Nurse Educators Are More Important Than Ever
Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics illustrates that the demand for nursing professionals is expected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth amplifies the need for qualified educators to train new nurses. However, barriers such as the aforementioned burnout, inadequate compensation, and additional qualifications requirements hinder the path to academia, which deter many experienced nurses from pursuing educational roles. This underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to support and incentivize experienced nurses to transition into academic positions.
Transitioning to academia requires a shift in practical duties and a significant mental and emotional adjustment. Nurse educators must acquire new skills, including effective communication, pedagogical strategies, and a broad understanding of educational theories – skills not typically emphasized in a clinical setting. Economic factors also play a role, as academic compensation often falls short of clinical salaries, deterring skilled nurses from making the switch. Institutions must address these issues by providing better support systems, including mentorship programs, offering incentives for advanced education, and outlining clearer pathways for advancement in educational roles. These efforts are crucial for ensuring a sustainable influx of educators to train the next generation of nursing professionals.
The Role of Diversity in Strengthening Nursing Education
Enhancing diversity in nursing education is critical for enriching the learning environment and improving health outcomes across diverse populations. Diverse nursing cohorts bring varied perspectives crucial in understanding and meeting the healthcare needs of different communities. For instance, by incorporating a wide range of cultural competencies into nursing programs, graduates are well-prepared to provide sensitive and effective care to patients from all backgrounds. This commitment to diversity also helps to break down barriers in healthcare disparities, fostering a more inclusive healthcare system. Post University champions a diverse educational approach that aligns with the evolving needs of today’s healthcare landscape through personalized mentorship and adaptable learning modalities.
Why an MSN Degree Is Essential for Aspiring Nurse Educators
An MSN degree is pivotal for nurses transitioning into various educational and leadership roles within nursing education. However, finding a program that meets the needs of nurses interested in advancing their careers while still working in the field can be challenging. Post’s MSN program offers unique modalities to suit different learning preferences and schedules: a traditional 8-week term and a 16-week competency-based model. This flexibility ensures that nurses can find a format to fit their life circumstances while gaining the comprehensive skills needed to become nurse educators. The program includes practical, hands-on experiences facilitated through innovative online methods, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to lead and educate.
Post’s fully online MSN program is structured to accommodate working nurses, offering various modalities to suit different lifestyles and learning preferences. Additionally, the faculty consists of experienced nurses who provide mentorship to support student’s academic and professional growth as they transition from nurse to nurse educator.
Shaping the Future of Nursing Through Education
For nurses interested in transitioning to educational roles, including a nurse administrator or chief nursing officer, the journey begins with understanding the significance of their contribution to shaping the future of healthcare. Nurses who aspire to become educators should start by exploring advanced degrees like the MSN, which equips them with the necessary skills in teaching and leadership. Engaging in continuous professional development and seeking mentorship from experienced educators can pave the way. When researching an MSN program to fit a working nurse’s needs, search for programs that have flexible options and comprehensive support that guide nurses through this transformative journey. This will help boost the confidence of these new nurse educators and enhance their ability to educate and inspire the next generation.
When we think about nurses getting published, our thoughts naturally turn to nurses in academia doing research or teaching. However, being published is actually for everyone.
Any nurse has the opportunity to be published, which can open the doors of possibility and reveal unforeseen career opportunities.
Why Get Published?
Dottie Roberts, EdD, MSN, MACI, RN, OCNS-C, CMSRN, CNE, has been the editor of the MEDSURG Nursing journal since 2002 and sees getting published as an equal opportunity.
“We think of publishing as something done by researchers and academics,” Roberts states. “However, all nurses are responsible for communicating information about practice innovations, particularly those impacting patient outcomes.”
Roberts continues, “Publishing allows nurses to share their knowledge and expertise and provides the foundation for evidence-based practice. Peer-reviewed journals offer an excellent medium for publication because of their high standards and wide readership.”
Roberts encourages a focus on peer-reviewed journals affiliated with nursing specialties.
“Dissemination of our experiences is critically important to benefit other nurses in their practice,” Roberts submits. “We share the results of our quality improvement or evidence-based activities or describe our encounters with patients with uniquely thought-provoking diagnoses.”
She adds, “We need to communicate research results to help nurses understand current challenges and mold future practice. Presenting at a conference is valuable, but publication benefits the profession more broadly by reaching a wider audience and building a body of literature that benefits current and future practitioners.”
For an individual nurse’s career, Roberts sees many potential benefits.
“Being a published writer brings recognition. Peers admire the nurse’s knowledge but also the ability to bring that knowledge to the profession. Along with presentations, publication can be recognized within clinical ladders and impact the potential for promotion. For nurses seeking entry into a competitive graduate program, being a published author brings an application additional attention.”
Roberts adds that sharpening writing skills can lead to career opportunities such as freelance writing, which can help a nurse earn extra income while educating others.
She describes her first major publication as “a book chapter for my member organization, the success of which gave me the confidence to take on other writing assignments for that association but also to write for national nursing textbooks and international journals.”
“I wrote exam prep materials and white papers for nursing certification programs. One opportunity led to another, and I know many nurses who have followed that same path in building their writing skills and resumes as reliable, effective authors.”
But How Do I Get Published?
Roberts advises, “Writing for publication requires work, but it’s open to anyone willing to devote the time to create an excellent product, and it’s not reserved solely for academics.”
“Nurses don’t need to be researchers to have a message worth sharing.” Roberts reflects. “Before that book chapter, I wrote a reflection for my hospital newsletter about a patient who had touched me greatly through her resilience.”
She continues, “I know every nurse has unforgettable patients, and experiences with those patients can inform peers and keep memories of patients alive. While journals don’t always publish personal reflections, they often publish case studies informing readers about specific patient care situations. Turning a reflection into a case study is a great way to start as a novice author.”
When seeking the right publication, Roberts states that editors always look for valuable topics for their readers. She recommends nurses familiarize themselves with specific journal styles and audiences to find the best fit for their writing.
She advises, “Although not all publications require it, you might submit a query letter explaining how your manuscript would benefit the journal’s readers. After the work of writing, finding the right publication will make acceptance much less difficult.”
Getting Involved
Nurses interested in being published can get involved in workplace projects and initiatives that lend themselves to being captured in writing. In this regard, Roberts shares:
“Quality improvement and EBP activities represent great opportunities for authorship. For example, clinical nurses may be involved in QI efforts to prevent falls or decrease CAUTI.”
“Readers are always looking for innovations to improve the quality performance of their units and may choose to replicate a project they read about. A nurse involved in developing a new policy can synthesize the relevant literature in a systematic or narrative review. Nurses who have returned to school often implement capstone or DNP projects in their practice settings; these reports also make great manuscripts.”
Where to Begin?
If you’re wondering how to get started, consider these steps shared by Dr. Roberts:
Identify journals representing your specialty
Examine journals’ websites for author guidelines, topic wish lists, and types of articles the journals seem to prefer
Submit queries about topics you’re considering writing about
If an editor is uninterested, ask for a referral to a more appropriate publication
Identify yourself as a novice author, and ask directly if the editor and editorial board mentor less experienced writers
Roberts states, “At MEDSURG Nursing, we give a writer’s award each year to a first-time author to recognize this important step in professional growth. Unfortunately, there is no list of novice-friendly publications I can identify, but there’s no substitute for simply communicating with editors. The editor is likely hearing from readers and editorial board members and knows very well what topics would be valuable to them.”
The importance of finding the right journal cannot be overstated. “It all goes back to identifying the right journal for your planned writing effort,” Roberts concludes. “It may take some patience and willingness to try again if you receive an uninterested response. However, if you identify a topic that would be helpful to you and your peers, chances are other nurses would also benefit from its publication.”
In the final analysis, being published can help nurses gain recognition, advance in their career, and contribute to the growing body of nursing literature. While it may not be for everyone, the experience of being a published author can offer a significant career boost and a sense of great personal and professional accomplishment.
