I am an African American Queen and I want to let everyone know that Black Nurses Matter! Yes, all nurses matter as well. We are the Heart of Healthcare. However, All Nurses CANT Matter, until Black Nurses Matter. I can only speak from my experiences and I can sadly say that this is not the case, some do not believe that Black Nurses Matter!

            My personal experience with racism took place during my first year as a Registered Nurse. Before graduating Nursing school in 2012, I was a Patience Care Technician (PCT) also known as CNA at an organization in Jacksonville, Florida. As a PCT, I had no problem with racism. The moment I became a Nurse, I experienced abusive behavior from both my peers and patients. I had patients requesting Caucasians peers to be their Nurse, instead of the ‘black nurse.” My first nurse preceptor (who was Caucasian) would say things that were mean and hurtful while I learned from her. She would make smart remarks regarding my care to her friends and pick out every little thing I did wrong, instead of remaining nurturing and caring. I would often hear inappropriate jokes regarding my race between my preceptor and her friends. It was AWFUL!

            I also experienced racism from the physicians. The Caucasian physicians would demand orders and would not look me in my face. It was very disrespectful and hurtful to say the least. The last racism experience I encountered was being denied a position that went to a less qualified Caucasian male in an organization that I had loved working for. It was painful to know that I was truly not given a leadership position because of the color of my skin and not the content of my leadership skills alone. As an African American Female Nurse, I have experienced racial inequality and made the decision to not let racism consume me with hate towards my Caucasian Brothers and Sisters. So, where do we go from here to ensure Black Nurses Matter? I offer the tools below to take the first step in mandating justice for all, especially in the field that cares for many dynamics and should always operate in diversity awareness.

1. We, as a people in healthcare, identify our personal stance on racism.
   1. Are you racist?
   2. Have you searched your heart concerning the matter?
   3. Do you agree or disagree with racism?
2. Speak your truth on racism and make a conscious decision for change.
   1. What is your truth?
   2. What decision have you made about your truth?
   3. Do you want to change?
3. Seek a trusted friend, accountability partner.
   1. Do you have someone you can talk with regarding your truth?
   2. Do you have a friend of the opposite race?
   3. Are you willing to listen with an open heart?
4. Conversations produce change and necessary improvements.
   1. Are you willing to communicate your feelings?
   2. Are you willing to have the necessary conversations?
   3. Change is necessary.