Voices of change: Perspectives from nurse scientists on dismantling systemic racism

BACKGROUND: Calls to address systemic racism in health care, nursing, academia, and science are increasing. Anti-racism actions in nursing are emerging as essential strategies to mitigate inequities. PURPOSE: This paper describes an innovative approach undertaken by the Betty Irene Moore fellowship to prepare nurse leaders that can recognize and resolve systemic racism and health inequities. METHODS: The fellowship employed a curriculum guided by an action-oriented cultural humility framework that included iterative improvements after each cohort's training. FINDINGS: The fellowship created an environment conducive to learning and relationship-building while delivering a rigorous curriculum. Upon reflection, fellows were able to articulate their growth across personal or individual, interpersonal, and organizational or institutional levels. DISCUSSION: The fellowship's efforts underscore the need for leadership training opportunities that promote anti-racist practices. Current anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion policies highlight the necessity of advocacy among nurses as current efforts to dismantle systemic racism and fulfill nursing's professional obligations are actively impeded.