 DiversityNursing.com exhibited at
NBNA's 2010 Conference (National
Black Nurses Association) DiversityNursing.com was pleased to exhibit at The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Annual Conference August 5 - 7 at the Sheraton Hotel & Marina in beautiful San Diego, CA. Spirits were high as everyone we met talked about the gorgeous weather and location. The Conference provided educational development opportunities as well as time to visit with colleagues and dear friends from across the country.
On Wednesday, August 4 there was an all day 'President's Leadership Workshop" that was designed to identify and develop nursing leaders within the association leadership. The NBNA notes "in order to lead improvements in healthcare quality, minority nurses must develop the leadership skills necessary to lead healthcare change in a global society". The program was presented during intensive half-day sessions that focused on developing competency in the areas of self-knowledge, interpersonal and communication effectiveness and inspiring and leading change. Participants were paired with mentors who shared their career and leadership development path.
This workshop was provided in response to The American College of Healthcare Executives report that less than 1% of hospital leadership is of African descent. Additionally, few leadership development programs are available for nurses and even fewer are designed specifically for black nurses. While the overall health status of the US population has improved, not all Americans share this improvement.
According to the Sullivan Commission's 2004 Report, "Missing Persons: Minorities in the Health Professions", the healthcare workforce is not reflective of the patient population and may be a cause of healthcare disparities in this country. The report further highlights the need for more to be done to increase leadership development opportunities for underrepresented healthcare professionals.
Next years' NBNA Annual Conference will be held in Indianapolis, IN July 13 - 18 at the J.W. Marriott Hotel. ***Please note the Conference is in July next year to tie in with the Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration 2011.
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