Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system. As a nurse or nursing assistant, you provide care to patients of all backgrounds and beliefs, and you often play a vital role in advocating for your patients. Workplaces that value and support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) will help ensure you provide the best possible nursing care.
In this post, we'll discuss why DEI is important in nursing, some of the benefits (and challenges) of working in a DEI workplace, and how to find an employer who shares your DEI values and beliefs.
DEI is an acronym for "diversity," "equity," and "inclusion." The tricky part is defining these concepts because they overlap somewhat and are related. In a nutshell, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is the understanding that everyone is unique and is treated with respect.
Diversity includes all aspects of a person, including age, socioeconomic status, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, national origin, and ability/disability.
Equity refers to "…fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all while striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups. The principle of equity acknowledges that there are historically under-served and under-represented populations and that fairness regarding these unbalanced conditions is needed to assist equality in the provision of effective opportunities to all groups."
And inclusion means actively involving people who have traditionally been excluded into activities, processes, and policy/decision making, so power is shared. Inclusion helps ensure equal access to resources and opportunities for everyone.
DEI is important in nursing because nurses work with patients of varied backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences. Therefore, they need to understand their patients' needs and uniqueness, and advocate for them effectively.
"When a diverse workforce of nurses exists, they can more effectively listen to what is bothering their diverse population of patients. This is made possible because not one nurse can relate to every cultural background, speak every language, or identify with every gender identity or sexual orientation. Nurses that actually exist in these spaces can make quality suggestions and treat their patients for the best results."
On top of this, nurses who feel supported in their diversity can provide better care for patients with diverse backgrounds.
First and foremost, DEI employers are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone. This commitment to diversity means that nurses of all backgrounds should be welcomed and supported in their work. In addition, DEI employers understand that diversity is key to providing the best possible care for patients from all backgrounds, so they prioritize hiring nurses from different cultures, races, and ethnicities.
"The benefits of publicly celebrating differences are two-fold. When employees feel like they have a voice and are empowered and respected, it creates trust and a feeling of belonging within your organization. From a business perspective, the more people feel this trust and belonging, the more innovative they are, the more they use their imagination, and the more productive they'll be."
An article by Workhuman identifies the following benefits for employees who feel accepted, included, and like they belong at work. These include:
There can be challenges associated with working in a DEI nursing environment, but these challenges can be overcome with effort and commitment. Some of the challenges that nurses may face include:
It's important to remember that there is no right way to approach DEI in nursing - every nurse will have their unique perspective. However, everyone must work together respectfully to create a more inclusive healthcare system and work environment for everyone.
When looking for a job in nursing with an employer who values DEI, it’s crucial to consider the company's values and how they align with your own. Be sure to research the company thoroughly before applying.
You also need to think about what you bring to the table. For example, do you have experience working with diverse populations? Are you comfortable speaking up about equity issues?
DEI can also help you learn new things about yourself and others. When we interact with people different from us, we often learn new things about ourselves and the world around us. Interacting with people who are different can be an enriching experience that helps us grow personally and professionally.
It's one thing for an employer to say that they're DEI friendly. The question is, do they "walk the talk," and are they the real deal? We wanted to help take some of the guesswork out of this process by giving you some tips on what to look for in an employer who upholds DEI values and hires nurses and nursing assistants.
1. Take note of the terminology used in job descriptions or job posts.
A company's culture and ideals can often best be gleaned from a job description or job posting because the terms it uses will offer clues about its stance on inclusiveness.
Research shows that "gendered wording" still exists in job ads that promote gender inequality. The result is women find these jobs less appealing than men, based solely on the job post or job ad, and don't apply.
So watch for gender-coded terms that may be difficult to understand or are associated with a specific gender. Gender stereotypes like "leader," "competitive," and "dominant" may indicate that a company isn't serious about diversity and inclusion.
Also, beware of lists of abilities, degrees, experiences, and other "must-haves" that aren't necessary for most positions. Many job seekers (especially women) will not apply if they don't think they're fully qualified, reducing the pool of diverse applicants available to employers. On the other hand, employers who are open to diversity recognize that even if a candidate's résumé lacks some of the "requirements" of the job, they may possess the abilities necessary to perform the job.
2. Look for perks that are both inclusive and educational.
Inclusive employers should offer benefits and incentives to accommodate many different people.
Examples of some inclusive perks include:
Employers show that they care about their employees' well-being by empowering them to accept themselves and strive to be their best selves.
3. Take a look at the websites of prospective employers.
Go to the company's website and look for job openings. Try to get a sense of the company's personality before you check out a potential workplace in person or connect with someone from the organization on a call.
As an employer, most companies understand the importance of their brand and actively promote how they are different from other employers. For example, hop on the company's website and search for videos of the office, staff testimonials, and statements about the company's fundamental values, to name a few. Also, does the organization have a section of their website devoted solely to DEI activities, which shows the importance they have on creating a diverse workplace?
What are you looking for? You want to see photos and/or videos of actual company employees, not just a bunch of stock pictures. While not everyone is willing to have their image posted on a company's webpage, some employees who are happy with the diversity and inclusivity of their workplace will be willing to participate in this kind of promotion.
4. Find out what people say about their experiences working for different companies.
You may not be able to speak personally with former or current employees, but reading company reviews is a good substitute. Sites like Glassdoor allow employees to openly discuss their experiences working for a company, whether positive or negative.
Because unhappy employees are more likely to leave a negative review than satisfied ones, some customer evaluations may not adequately reflect a company's culture or operations. The average of all reviewers' scores, on the other hand, can reveal a lot about an employer.
Check out Comparably to see what employees are saying about employers and what companies have won awards for having excellent leadership and workplace culture, making them desirable places to work. Great Place to Work is another site that compiles lists of the best workplaces in the world, such as their list "PEOPLE Companies that Care® 2021" or "Fortune Best Workplaces for Women™ 2021". These aren't lists of healthcare organizations exclusively, but you will find some gems in here if you're looking for nursing work.
Employers who have achieved Great Place to Work certification have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
5. Examine how you feel after a job interview.
Observe your surroundings when you enter an interview. A diverse recruiting panel demonstrates the company's commitment to a wide range of viewpoints.
If more than one person interviews you, take note if there was any diversity evident in the panel participants that reflected some of the things you’d expect to see in a diverse workplace? Also, how did the interview panel treat one another and you during the interview? How a company interacts with its employees and potential employees tells you a lot about its culture and how it values diversity and inclusion.
Employees must have a feeling of belonging at work. Do you feel it will be easy to get along with the manager or person you will be reporting to directly? If more than one person was present during your interview, do you feel they did their best to make you feel comfortable and welcome? Or was it a cold and formal interview where you didn't feel "seen" or honestly "heard"?
DEI is important in nursing for both nursing staff and patients—and employers are noticing. As a result, DEI employers are becoming increasingly common—and sought after—by nurses and nursing assistants alike. DEI employers offer a variety of benefits to their employees, including flexible jobs, diverse work environments, and professional development opportunities.
If you're looking for a job in nursing with an employer who values DEI, be sure to do your research before applying. There are some great options out there, but you need to be sure you do your homework first.
Written by: Leona Werezak MN, BSN, RN
Leona Werezak MN, BSN, RN has worked as a nurse in a variety of positions at the bedside for 13 years and as a nurse manager. From there, she began teaching nursing in BSN programs for the next 20 years.
