Who is underrepresented in nursing?
Matthew Cannon
Updated on January 05, 2026
Findings show that nurses from minority backgrounds represent 16.8% of the RN workforce. More specifically, in 2008, the RN population comprised 5.4% African American, 3.6% Hispanic, 5.8% Asian/Native Hawaiian, 0.3% American Indian/Alaska Native, and 1.7% multiracial nurses.
What are some barriers to diversity in the nursing profession?
This paper reveals that minority nursing student's face multiple barriers to success including lack of financial support, inadequate emotional and moral support, as well as insufficient academic advising, program mentoring, technical support, and professional socialization.What percentage of nurses are minority?
According to a 2017 survey conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and The Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers, nurses from minority backgrounds represent 19.2% of the registered nurse (RN) workforce.Is there diversity in nursing?
According to the most recent National Nursing Workforce Survey, people of color make up only 19% of the current nursing workforce. However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, people of color make up 28% of the population. Such discrepancies lead to gaps in care.Are Latinos underrepresented in the nursing profession?
(July 31, 2017) -- A recent study conducted by the University at Albany's Center for Health Workforce Studies (CHWS) found that Hispanics/Latinos are underrepresented in the medical, dental, and registered nursing (RN) workforce of New York State, compared to their presence in the general population.Addressing the Gap in Nursing Workforce Diversity | Brigit Carter | TEDxDuke
Where do most male nurses work?
In hospitals and clinics across the country, the intensive care unit, or ICU, tends to have more male nurses than female nurses for a variety of reasons. Based on the research available, there isn't one overriding push to make the healthcare work area gender-specific.Why do we need more black nurses?
Black nurses increase diversity in the field of health and reduce health disparities, ultimately improving the overall health care for all patients. Diversifying the health care workforce provides an opportunity to destruct the systematic biases and racial inequities that persist in health care.Why does representation matter in nursing?
The National League for Nursing defines diversity as "affirming the uniqueness of and differences among persons, ideas, values, and ethnicities." Studies confirm representation among nurses, providers, and healthcare teams improves patient outcomes and health disparities such as in infant mortality.What is diversity in nursing care?
Diversity in Nursing includes all of the following: gender, veteran status, race, disability, age, religion, ethnic heritage, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, education status, national origin, and physical characteristics.What race has the most nurses?
Registered Nurse Statistics By Race
- White, 69.1%
- Black or African American, 11.5%
- Hispanic or Latino, 8.6%
- Asian, 8.5%
- Unknown, 1.8%
- American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
What percentage of RNs are Black?
How do minority nurses self-identify? 9.9% of RNs are black or African American (non-Hispanic); 8.3% are Asian; 4.8% are Hispanic or Latino; 1.3% categorize themselves as two or more race; 0.4% are American Indian or Alaskan Native.How can nurses improve diversity?
How to Build a More Diverse and Inclusive Nursing Workforce
- Reach out to kids at a young age so they understand that a career in nursing is a real option for them. ...
- Encourage minority nursing students to take advantage of academic support programs. ...
- Recruit more minority faculty members to nursing programs.
What are the 4 types of diversity?
There are generally four different types of diversity: internal, external, organizational, and worldview—and you should aim to understand and represent them all. Keep reading to learn more about each one and how diversity affects the workplace.What is barrier nursing care?
• Barrier nursing – this occurs when a patient(s) is kept in a bay and extra precautions are implemented to prevent spread of the germ. It may be necessary occasionally to move a patient to another ward.What can nurses do to promote inclusivity and diversity?
How Can Nurses Promote Inclusivity and Equality?
- Provide education through literature and work groups.
- Create a sense of belonging.
- Encourage them to share their views.
- Give them a voice in decision-making.
- Foster individuality.
- Provide opportunities to learn and develop.