Increasing minorities in higher education in nursing: faculty consultation as a strategy

Minority international research training program: global collaboration in nursing research

In the current century, nurses, along with other health professionals, require preparation for their roles in international health. For faculty and students to practice and learn in this global community, they also will want to have added knowledge of economics, business, and public policy. To gain an immersion experience in global health, nursing faculty and students will need to spend time abroad collaborating with nursing colleagues in other countries. This report describes an academic-research training program (Minority International Research Program [MIRT]) established 7 years ago to enhance the international health experience of minority nursing students. Qualified undergraduate and graduate nursing students are recruited and paired with faculty mentors to conduct short-term research abroad for a period of 10 to 14 weeks. The purpose of international research experiences for minority nursing students is to develop leaders in nursing science and to increase collaboration in the resolution of global health issues. To date, 26 undergraduate students, 22 graduate students, 6 postdoctoral trainees, and 11 faculty mentors have participated and completed the program through research immersion experiences in 9 countries. The program is described in terms of its strengths, challenges, and lessons learned, as well as opportunities for future activities.

Preparing for the 21st century: diversity in nursing education, research, and practice

This article presents issues surrounding nursing research, education, and practice as they relate to the changing demographics in American society. The authors suggest that cultural diversity should be a key element in all components of nursing. They present challenges to nurse researchers, educators, and practitioners regarding the essential need to be sensitive about cultural diversity. They further suggest that the 21st century will emerge with demographic shifts that include larger groups of ethnic individuals and families. These ethnic groups will be both care providers and recipients of care. Recommendations are suggested to prepare for diversity in America health care systems.

A legal primer on affirmative action in nursing education

Affirmative action policies are under challenge. To date, judicial concerns must be understood historically. The legal question is to define the conditions under which racial categories may be used for remedial or beneficial purposes to overcome the effects of past discrimination. Beyond exercising strict scrutiny over the use of racial classifications, courts have supported the diversification of academe. For nursing programs, the challenge is to develop policies and procedures to broaden participation without reliance on racial categories. The benefits of diversifying the nursing work force need not be discarded in response to judicial and political reaction to affirmative action.

Who is our consumer? Shaping nursing programs to meet emerging needs

Demographic changes are occurring in some states at a faster rate than in others; yet it is projected that these changes will be mirrored throughout the United States in the coming half-century. In California, persons of Hispanic origin now constitute more than 25 per cent of the population, and noncaucasian racial groups total 31 per cent. As a health care discipline, it is critical that nursing recruit individuals into the profession who reflect the population that nurses serve, and the curriculum and clinical learning opportunities should be culturally relevant. Moreover, federally funded research is now required to generate knowledge about all groups, regardless of ethnicity, race, or gender. Current demographic data provide information about the emerging ethnic and racial composition of the population, birthrates, and types of health care services that are likely to be needed. Implications of these trends can guide goal setting for educational programs, research, and clinical practice to ensure that academic nursing addresses the public need.