NC Nurses Association Releases Racial Reckoning Statement and Commits to Increased Inclusivity

For Immediate Release
October 16, 2023

RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina Nurses Association (NCNA) has spent the past year embarking on a multipronged initiative of self-reflection, intentional listening, and planning a more inclusive version of Nursing Forward_®. The methodical process culminated in a Racial Reckoning Statement approved by NCNA’s Board of Directors in September. The statement acknowledges NCNA’s history, apologizes for its past actions, and commits to relentlessly holding itself accountable as a more inclusive association in the future. This represents the first such initiative of its kind from any state nurses association in the country.

“NCNA is committed to recognizing where we have fallen short in the past to ensure we do better going forward,” said NCNA President Trish Richardson, MSN, BSBA, RN, NE-BC, CMSRN. “We have been intentional about the process and making sure this isn’t simply ‘checking a box.’ The Racial Reckoning Statement is a vital milestone for the association, but it is not the end of the conversation by any means.”

NCNA convened a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Values Task Force, charged with developing a values statement, and is in the process of appointing a new member of the Board of Directors who has past experience with DEI programs. Meanwhile, NCNA worked to educate its members about the association’s history of racism, highlighted by a three-part series in the Tar Heel Nurse membership magazine that was spearheaded by NCNA member and nursing historian Dr. Phoebe Pollitt, RN. Her research shined a light on overtly racist actions by the association and its leaders, along with a decades-long pattern of resistance to integration and inclusivity within NCNA leadership.

The combined efforts stem from NCNA’s newest strategic priority of “Relentless Inclusion,” which was first championed in 2022 by Immediate Past President Meka D. Ingram, DNP, MSN, RN, NE-BC. The association has used strategies and tactics implemented by the American Nurses Association and the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing, but NCNA was intentional about making this initiative a stand-alone effort that was developed independently, with a focus on North Carolina-specific goals and outcomes.

“Many of the results from this initiative have been disheartening to confront, but I am proud of what we have achieved and optimistic about the real changes NCNA is implementing,” said Ingram. “I am encouraged by my colleagues from across North Carolina who have approached this with the seriousness it deserves and, in some cases, had their minds changed about why this type of work is incredibly important.”

NCNA solicited feedback during the Statewide Membership Forum at its Annual Convention and via member surveys conducted through October 15 in order to help determine next steps. Feedback has been overwhelmingly supportive of the Racial Reckoning Statement and the overarching initiative. Some anonymous quotes from NCNA members include:

• “A humbling document to read; pierced by a ray of hope that the document was finally penned and unabashedly shared with all NCNA members. Nursing Forward.”
• “Well written. I think it should also have some language around each individual holding themselves accountable for correcting and preventing the continuation of these wrongs but also hold other nurses accountable to not allow racists behaviors to continue and prevail.”
• “Include all minorities, not just African/black Americans.”
• “I accept the acknowledgment of racism in the nursing profession, which has been an issue in North Carolina and a national issue. I have been a victim of racism throughout my years as a registered nurse, but I did not allow it to deter me. Yes, I have experienced some bitter and ugly situations. I never allowed racism to control my attitude toward my peers or my patients.
• However, racism did raise its ugly head. I aspired to be the best-registered nurse and advance to a higher level of nursing academics. From this time and toward the future, let us move forward with professionalism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
• “I am in support of this change but disappointed that NCNA waited until 2022 to speak up”
• “It is admirable that the NCNA would take this opportunity to reconcile the past and present. We cannot go back and change what happened however, acknowledging the past is huge even when it is uncomfortable and not the most popular thing to do. I am proud of this action and think this is a great step in moving nursing forward.”

This initiative has been challenging and, at times, painful. NCNA’s Board of Directors also believes it has been well worth the effort and hopes it serves as a catalyst for other nursing and healthcare organizations to be similarly introspective and join NCNA in committing to a more inclusive future for the entire profession.

Nursing Forward_®

MEDIA CONTACT
Chris Cowperthwaite, APR
Director of Communications & Outreach
(919) 821-4250 or chriscowperthwaite@ncnurses.org

ABOUT NCNA
As the leading professional organization for North Carolina’s registered nurses, we equip nurses at all stages to thrive in an ever-changing healthcare environment. NCNA helps keep North Carolina nurses on the cutting edge of nursing practice, policy, education, and more. Join us as we work to advance nursing and ensure high-quality healthcare for everyone.

Established in 1902, NCNA provides continuing education, networking and legislative advocacy for registered nurses throughout North Carolina. For more information, please visit www.ncnurses.org.

MISSION STATEMENT
The North Carolina Nurses Association serves the changing needs of its members, addresses nursing issues, and advocates for the health and well-being of all people.