In the United States, the nursing workforce is more diverse than ever. As a result, an inclusive culture and approach with your facility’s nursing staff are critical. Unfortunately, this isn’t always at the forefront of people’s minds. 

 

Hospitals have long recognized the value of developing diverse staffing rosters that reflect the patients in their communities. According to some experts, despite well-intended efforts, implementing staffing changes has been slow. So, what is the importance of inclusion in your healthcare facility, and what can you do to make your nursing staff more inclusive?

 

Why is an inclusive staff important?

Nurses must provide care to all patients without bias, and they must effectively collaborate with staff members who may come from a variety of backgrounds. Nurses must value and acknowledge the unique perspectives of others in order to build rapport with patients and coworkers. Patients who do not feel understood may become demotivated or agitated, which can stymie their recovery. Restricted interaction among nurses, physicians, interdisciplinary teams, and staff can result in misunderstandings, missteps, and tension, which can undermine relationships.

An inclusive workplace is one in which patients, nurses, and other employees are free to voice themselves so that they can collaborate to overcome challenges that emerge.

 

How can facilities build more inclusive nursing staff?

Here are a few pointers to help you build a more inclusive nursing staff at your facility:

• Work to create a culture of inclusion, equality, fairness, and respect. It starts at the top and works its way down.
• Enlighten yourself on hatred and prejudice so that you can recognize it when you see it. Then you can take steps to get rid of it.
• If it isn’t already, incorporate equality and inclusion training into your regular educational efforts. Ensure that each member of your nursing staff understand what is expected of them in terms of supporting your facility’s culture of inclusion.
• Consider collaborating with human resources professionals or counselors to assess and improve the diversity, inclusivity, and equality of your nursing staff. 
• Maintain flexibility and an eagerness to learn. Set a good example for your nurses to follow.

 

 

START CREATING YOUR INCLUSIVE STAFF RIGHT NOW!

Need assistance finding and hiring the best nurses to create an inclusive work environment? We can support you with this. At Always Reliable Medical Staffing, we know by working together, we can build a relationship that serves our candidates, our partner facilities and the patients being cared for! 

 

Contact us at 866-458-3139 or email us at info@armedicalstaffing.com