By Ashley Brown
The American Nurses Foundation is celebrating the impact of the $339,000 grant it awarded to Southern University and A&M College in April aimed at enhancing educational programs for male nurses of color. The funding is part of the foundation’s Diversify Nursing Research through Support of Minority Institutions research grant.
The groundbreaking proposal titled “Workplace Racism, Perceived Stress, and Health Promoting Lifestyle Behaviors Among African American Registered Nurses,” was selected by an independent review panel after a competitive selection process involving three minority-serving institutions.
“African American nurses account for 11% of the registered nurse workforce in the United States and even less than that are African American men. Southern University School of Nursing is the largest producer of African American nurses in the state of Louisiana, playing a critical role in addressing racial and gender disparities in nursing,” said the Dean and Professor of the College of Nursing and Allied Health at Southern University School of Nursing. “Through support from the American Nurses Foundation, we are closing the gap and increasing the diversity of the nursing workforce to improve health outcomes in vulnerable populations.”
Future Nurses Feel The Impact
Following the grant, some male nursing students within the funded cohort have already begun sharing their experiences on social media. A viral video shows the positive impact of the award, showcasing the journey and aspirations of the emerging nurses as they work towards bringing diversity to the nursing profession.
The three-year partnership aims to tackle barriers faced by racial and ethnic minorities in nursing, in response to insights from the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing. The initiative strives to fund meaningful research led by diverse nurses, advancing the profession while fostering equity and a variety of perspectives.
Adriane K. Griffen, DrPH, MPH, MCHES®, is the interim executive director and vice president of programs at the American Nurses Foundation. She expressed her enthusiasm for the program. “I’m absolutely thrilled to see bright minds benefiting from the Foundation’s support of this program and excited about their future careers in nursing,” she said, noting her personal connection to nursing through her father’s career in the field.