[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When I worked as an assistant nurse manager in the pediatric emergency room, four out of the six assistant nurse managers were underrepresented women. This is a rarity. Our nursing leadership played an instrumental role in the community we served and provided mentorship to other underrepresented nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Studies consistently report advantages to diversity among nursing leadership, including:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Improved health equity[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Improved healthcare outcomes[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]More successful mentorship for underrepresented nurses[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Diverse global perspectives[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Inclusivity[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yet, the number of underrepresented nurses, [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/black-nurse-leaders-to-honor-for-black-history-month/”] specifically Black nurses [/hen-ui-link], in leadership roles remains low. Even fewer Black nurses are in higher-level and executive leadership positions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What can nursing institutions do to better support Black nurses seeking leadership roles? We spoke with four nurses who provided some answers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These nurses also discuss their personal experiences and the challenges they faced as Black nurses aspiring to nursing leadership roles, and they offer advice on career advancement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”text-secondary”]Climbing the Corporate Ladder as a Black Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To even apply to a nursing leadership position, many Black nurses feel they have to:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Exceed expectations[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Be overprepared[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Be overqualified[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Meet every requirement[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”I have been in two major leadership positions in my career and I feel that I had to go above and beyond in my role to be considered for those leadership positions,” says Jamil Norman, Ph.D., with nearly two decades of nursing experience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Tameka McDaniel, DNP, is the assistant director of nursing education services at Nightingale College and has been a nurse for 16 years. She recounts her path to leadership as a string of rejections.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After applying to leadership positions, she said she later found out the position was offered to a nurse “of a different ethnicity with less education and experience.” She experienced further rejection when applying to leadership roles in nursing education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”As a Black nurse, I feel the constant pressure to prove myself, to have more education and experience than the competition,” McDaniel says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It wasn’t until McDaniel was hired at Nightingale College, where diversity is deeply rooted in its mission, that she finally felt for the first time that her race and culture weren’t a deciding factor in her upward movement.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many Black nurses have similar stories. Phyllis Morgan, Ph.D., FNP-BC, holds more than 29 years of experience in nursing. She recounts her path to leadership as challenging.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”There are microaggressions that have existed for years that have hindered Black nurses being promoted,” Morgan says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Although diversity and inclusion are on the agenda of every nursing organization and stakeholders, Black nurses still experience significant hurdles in getting leadership positions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”text-secondary”]Obstacles Black Nurses Face Pursuing Leadership Roles[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Racism, microaggressions, nepotism, and implicit bias are frequent reasons Black nurses do not get hired into leadership roles. Nurses who hold leadership positions often report experiencing discrimination and being the only minority in senior leadership.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Statistics have unfortunately revealed that the higher up you are in a role, the less likely you are to see someone else who looks like you at your level,” says Charles Lapsley, MSN, RN.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This causes Black nurses to feel leadership roles are out of reach or to not pursue them at all.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”When people don’t see themselves represented in leadership, the door seems closed, meaning there isn’t an opportunity for entry,” McDaniel says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Similarly, another obstacle faced by Black nurses is not being recognized or considered by management as an option for leadership opportunities. Due to the lack of Black nurses already in leadership positions, Black nurses are less able to benefit from the professional or social capital gained through having a relationship with someone near the top.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]More needs to be done to support Black nurses seeking leadership positions. Although nursing institutions are not the only solution, they are a crucial starting point.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”text-secondary”]What Nursing Institutions Can Do to Support Black Nurses Seeking Leadership Roles[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing institutions must be intentional in supporting Black nurses seeking leadership roles. Norman has 16 years of experience as a nurse and knows it is a tremendous feat to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This is why Norman says hiring managers and nurse executives should consider partnering with ethnic minority [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//professional-nursing-associations/”]nursing professional organizations[/hen-ui-link]. These partnerships are one proven strategy to improve diversity in senior leadership.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Black nurses need to feel valued and providing these opportunities can help to narrow the gap of racial inequality,” Norman says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Lapsley says it’s important to understand that unique opportunity exists within every culture, including Black culture.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”We need to be willing to bring issues forward and determine actionable ways to address concerns,” he says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Data also reveals colleges and [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/what-are-schools-doing-to-increase-diversity-in-nursing/”]universities need to prioritize diversity in nursing[/hen-ui-link], even during these unprecedented times. If they are to keep up with the demographic changes happening today, they must catch up.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”text-secondary”]Advice for Black Nurses Seeking Career Advancement[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Lapsley didn’t get his current position the first time he applied. He is the director of Trauma, Emergency Services, Critical Care, and the Firefighters Burn Center at Regional One Health in Memphis, Tennessee. He describes his experience as bothersome.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Rejection can often have an effect on one’s ego and, in full transparency, it did bother me,” Lapsley says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Lapsley felt prepared for the role when he applied. He met the education requirements, participated in special projects, facilitated committees, and had the overall support of key stakeholders.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]But after completing the initial interview process, he says it was clear that he was not the person they were looking for. This didn’t deter Lapsley from going after the position again and securing the role the second time around. He advises Black nurses to do the same.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”I believe it’s important to never give up on what you are passionate about,” Lapsley says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Going for a position, not once but twice, shows your perseverance and passion. Many may disagree, but if you know you are right for the position, why not keep pursuing it?[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Seeking out [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//the-importance-of-mentorship-in-nursing/”]mentorship in nursing is important[/hen-ui-link] and becoming a mentor to other Black nurses is a key way to support fellow nurses in their rise to leadership positions. But this is contingent on Black nurses holding positions of leadership.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”It is vital to have Black nurses in leadership to serve as role models and mentors for other Black nurses seeking leadership roles,” Morgan says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additionally, Norman believes it is important to be active in professional organizations and seek out specialization opportunities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]She advises Black nurses to seek out [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/nursing-certifications/”]nursing certifications[/hen-ui-link] and advanced education. Being involved and informed helps to foster professional relationships.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”You want to be an expert in your field,” Norman advises.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It is important for Black nurses to go for leadership positions and to remember the bigger picture. There are so few in leadership roles, so it is imperative to remind ourselves we are creating a path for future underrepresented nurse leaders.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This cannot be achieved alone. We need the support of nursing institutions and stakeholders to make diversity and inclusion a talking point and reality.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Meet Our Contributors[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Jamil Norman, Ph.D., RN, CNE” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1615572751/NurseJournal.org/Jamil_Norman_web.jpg” img-alt=”Jamil Norman, Ph.D., RN, CNE” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/faculty/jamil-norman”]Jamil Norman[/hen-ui-link] is an academic coordinator for Walden University’s RN-to-BSN program. She has more than 16 years of experience as a registered nurse and 12 years in higher education. Her areas of expertise include nursing research and women’s health nursing. At Walden, Norman teaches foundations of nursing research and topics in clinical nursing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Phyllis Morgan, Ph.D., FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1605040225/experts/Phyllis_Morgan.jpg” img-alt=”Phyllis Morgan, Ph.D., FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/faculty/phyllis-morgan”]Phyllis Morgan[/hen-ui-link] is a faculty member for Walden University’s master of science in nursing program and holds more than 29 years of experience in nursing. Morgan has been a certified family nurse practitioner (FNP) for several years and is senior core faculty and academic coordinator for the FNP specialty at Walden. She also currently works as an FNP for CVS Caremark Minute Clinic in northern Virginia.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Morgan’s research focuses on African American men’s and women’s health issues. She has published several research articles, presented at national and international conferences, and written grants on health disparity issues among African Americans.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Charles Lapsley, MSN, RN” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1638909534/experts/Charles_Lapsley.jpg” img-alt=”Charles Lapsley, MSN, RN” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Charles Lapsley is a graduate of Walden University’s master of science in nursing program and Director of Trauma, Emergency Services, Critical Care and the Firefighters Burn Center at Regional One Health in Memphis, Tennessee. Lapsley has over 22 years of experience as a nurse, including several years as a nurse leader. He is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Emergency Nurses Association, and American Burn Association. Lapsley was an honorary member of the White House medical unit in 2018.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Tameka McDaniel, DNP” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1638556204/experts/Tameka_McDaniel.jpg” img-alt=”Tameka McDaniel, DNP” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Tameka McDaniel is the assistant director of nursing education services at Nightingale College. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, she has been a registered nurse for 16 years with nearly 14 years of experience as a critical care ICU nurse. McDaniel began her career with an associate degree in nursing from Wayne County Community College. She then earned a bachelor’s in nursing from Oakland University, a master of science in nursing from South University, and a doctor of nursing practice in healthcare systems leadership from Chamberlain College of Nursing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex]