Diversity in nursing

BMC Nursing is calling for submissions to its Collection on diversity in nursing. The field of nursing is powered by a varied and dynamic workforce, yet it faces challenges recruiting and retaining nurses and administrative leaders who are truly representative of the populations they serve. As such, it is imperative that we deepen our understanding of diversity within the profession, including factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, culture, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, and disability.  Interdisciplinary research efforts have already yielded important insights, revealing, for instance, that racially and ethnically diverse nursing teams are associated with improved patient outcomes and increased patient satisfaction, especially with regard to underserved communities. As we continue to advance our understanding of diversity within nursing, we can anticipate innovations in patient-centered care models, more effective educational approaches, and equitable healthcare policies. By embracing the complexities of diversity, we hope to foster a nursing profession that is not only reflective of our diverse societies but also equipped to provide truly personalized and equitable healthcare.

We invite contributions that explore diversity in nursing from various perspectives. Topics of interest may include, but are not limited to:

• Cultural competence and culturally responsive care: Papers examining strategies to enhance cultural competence among nursing professionals, improve the quality of culturally responsive care, and reduce health disparities among diverse patient populations.
• Representation and workforce diversity: Research on the recruitment, retention, and career progression of underrepresented groups in nursing, with a focus on strategies to diversify the nursing workforce.
• Intersectionality in nursing: Explorations of how multiple dimensions of diversity intersect and influence healthcare outcomes, clinical practice, and healthcare policy.
• Inclusive nursing education: Innovations in nursing education that promote inclusivity, equity, and diversity, and their impact on student learning and clinical practice.
• Patient-centered care: Studies on the influence of diversity in nursing on patient experiences, satisfaction, and outcomes, with a focus on personalized and culturally competent care.
• Leadership and diversity: Investigations into the role of diverse leadership in healthcare institutions, its impact on organizational culture, and the promotion of diversity at all levels of nursing leadership.
• Policy and advocacy: Analyses of policies and initiatives aimed at addressing diversity-related challenges in nursing, and their implications for healthcare equity and access.

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