The National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Latinas in Nursing Book Club Series
This event brings together leading nursing organizations to honor and amplify diverse voices in nursing
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SILVER SPRING, MD – Starting today, the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing (the Commission) is partnering with fellow nursing organizations to launch the Latinas in Nursing Book Club Series. The four-week virtual event series invites participants to explore Tina Loarte-Rodríguez’ book Latinas in Nursing: Stories of determination, inspiration, and trust and promises to uplift the voices of all nurses, with added emphasis to those of Latino and Hispanic descent, this Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15).
Authored by Tina Loarte-Rodríguez, DNP, RN, CPPS, CPHRM, the book’s creation was motivated by her experiences as a historically marginalized and underrepresented nurse and the subsequent disparity of literature representative of nursing’s Latino and Hispanic communities. “I may be a member of the most trusted profession in the United States, but for too long I felt overlooked and isolated within it,” said Loarte-Rodríguez. “Latinas in Nursing is a celebration of resilience and triumph. Each unique journey highlights the challenges faced and opportunities created, offering inspiration and hope for the next generation.”
Joining the Commission for collaboration on this special book club series is DNPs of Color, the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, the Society of Latinx Nurses, Nurses You Should Know, and the New England Minority Nurse Leadership Conference.
This is the Commission’s second collaborative book series engagement for 2024. In celebration of Black History Month, the Commission launched The Black Angels Book Club Event, dedicated to exploring Maria Smilios’ book The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis. Hundreds of attendees gathered to learn more about the historic Black nurses who were part of a galvanizing moment in global history and the cure for tuberculosis.
“Moments of discussion and connection are at the root of our work to draw attention to discrimination and biases that permeate the nursing profession and to advance equity for all nurses. This work to uplift underrepresented voices is how we create understanding, embrace discovery, and exemplify diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility in nursing,” said Katie Boston-Leary, PhD, MHA, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, FADLN, Senior Vice President of Equity and Engagement for the American Nurses Association (ANA). ANA is one of the co-leading organizations that makes up the Commission, representing a broad continuum of nursing practice, racially and ethnically diverse groups, and regions across the country.
A nationwide survey from the Commission shows that 69% of Hispanic and Latino nurses face racism in their workplace. The Commission calls on nurses in all health care settings to take a stand in boldly addressing both individual and systemic racism.
No pre-reading is required to join the Latinas in Nursing Book Club Series and registration is free. To receive regular updates on ANA’s Journey of Racial Reconciliation and to be alerted of other Commission news and opportunities, please sign up to stay informed.
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The National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing (the Commission) examines the persistent problem of racism within nursing and describes the impact on nurses, patients, communities, and health care systems to motivate all nurses to confront systemic racism. The work is urgent to create safe and liberating environments for all nurses as well as a profession that exemplifies inclusivity, diversity, and equity. The Commission is comprised of leading nursing organizations that represent a broad continuum of nursing practice, ethnically diverse groups, nationally and in regions across the country and who have for years raised their individual voices to condemn all forms of racism within our society.
About the American Nurses Association
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation's more than 5 million registered nurses. ANA advances the profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all.