I have been a registered nurse since 2012 and have witnessed some amazingly confident black females in nursing. It is important to address this fact first and foremost, because on the contrary I have also coached black female nurses who hadn’t yet tapped into their brilliance.

Being black in healthcare can be challenging, especially for females. I have witnessed continuous occasions of condescending language, physicians second guessing skill sets and let’s not mention the “we went with a different candidate” in leadership positions (the candidate oftentimes with less experience and education).

Having confidence in healthcare as a black female nurse takes perseverance and empowerment. The frequently asked question I receive from sister nurses is what does a confident black female nurse look like or what are the makings of a confident black nurse.

The makings of the confident black female nurse are many things, however, I will focus on 3 key points. 

1. She understands her power comes from within. Confidence is an inside job. It is nurtured from within. Being authentic to who she is boosts her confidence to higher levels. She determines her destiny in both her personal life as well as professional life by creating rules to live by. Rules that only allow positivity and inspiration to come her way.
2. She gives herself a standing ovation.- She doesn’t wait for the crowd to cheer for her. She claps for herself for every win, both big and small. She looks in the mirror in amazement, pleased with who she has become, while being patient with who she is becoming.
3. She knows in her heart; she belongs in nursing.- She was created to give care to the vulnerable. She has heard the quote “maybe nursing isn’t for you” and have responded in action with ‘I beg to differ.” She allows herself to evolve and take pride in her experiences.

The confident black female nurse is the desire I have for all my Nurse Sisters. Let me encourage you by reminding you Sis, that you belong in nursing. Take these three points and begin your journey as the confident black female nurse. You chose nursing for a purpose and don’t allow anyone to make you feel unwanted. Start from within Sis, clap for yourself and know that you belong in nursing.