Organizational Initiatives for the Recruitment, Retention and Advancement of Black Nurses: A Rapid Review

Abstract

Introduction: Black nurses are under-represented in the Canadian nursing workforce. A legacy of discrimination and systemic barriers reinforce the under-representation of Black nurses in the nursing workforce throughout the health system.

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify and describe organizational initiatives for the recruitment, retention and advancement of Black nurses in the healthcare system.

Methods: We conducted a rapid review of peer-reviewed and grey literature regarding the recruitment, retention and advancement initiatives for Black nurses, in North America and the UK.

Results: Thirty-eight sources were included in this review. Majority of the included sources focused on leadership initiatives that described a multi-pronged approach for recruitment, retention or advancement. Examples of useful initiatives included mentorship, dedicated leadership and advancement programs, as well as supportive institutional policies. In addition, several Black nurse-led organizations/initiatives were identified.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of multi-pronged approaches to enhance and support the Black nurse workforce. In addition, implementing and evaluating initiatives is critical to understanding how workforce representation and inclusion is strengthened.