Nursing association puts forward recommendations to combat anti-Black racism in industry
The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) has been examining anti-Black discrimination in the profession and recently announced 19 recommendations it hopes will improve the situation for nurses and the health-care system.
The RNAO put together the Black Nurses Task Force in June 2020, in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder. RNAO CEO Doris Grinspun says they felt driven as an organization to do something — and believed action should start within their own group.
On Tuesday they put forward their list of recommendations, chief among them equitable and fair placements for all Black nurses. Task Force Co-Chair Corsita Garraway says a disproportionate number are placed in long-term care or doing the work of personal support workers for example, preventing from getting experience in other, more specialized areas.
Another recommendation — more mentorship for Black nurses to help them reach more leadership positions.
“I have attended three different universities - one in Newfoundland, one in Manitoba and Toronto,” RNAO past president Angela Cooper Brathwaite said. “And I have never had a Black professor in any of my courses.”
The RNAO wants to advocate for diversity in leadership and education roles in nursing, as well as more mental health supports for Black nurses.
“It causes so much trauma and nurses jobs are stressful without the addition of having your peers and supervisors being racist towards you,” Cooper Brathwaite said.
She and others recall being questioned about their curly hair, their accent and their place of birth in the course of their nursing education and work. They say discriminatory behaviour hasn’t changed much. Many Black nurses told the task force about losing out on promotions, job opportunities and interviews because of discrimination.
The task force is calling for “zero tolerance” of anti-Black racism in nursing and are planning to become an advisory committee in order to follow up on its recommendations.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW What a wildfire survivor says she regrets not grabbing before leaving home
Carol Christian had 15 minutes to evacuate her home during the Fort McMurray wildfires in 2016. She ended up losing the house and everything inside. Now, she wants to share the lessons she learned.
World No. 1 golfer charged with police officer assault before PGA Championship second round
World number one golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested and charged with the assault of a police officer in what he called a 'chaotic situation' before being released in time to start his second round at the PGA Championship on Friday.
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
B.C. optometrist warns against trending eye colour change procedure
A medical procedure that can permanently change a person's eye colour may be trending on social media, but a B.C. optometrist is warning about the significant risks associated.
Australia's richest woman seeks removal of her portrait from exhibition
Art is subjective. And while many artists long to share their work with the world, there's no guarantee that the audience will understand it, or even like it.
An airplane passenger was spotted in an overhead bin. This was the reaction
Airplane overhead compartments. Home to luggage of all shapes and sizes, the odd coat or two, several duty-free bags, a fair bit of dust and… passengers?
WATCH Infectious disease expert warns measles 'a very real threat'
A Canadian epidemiologist is warning the measles presents a 'very real threat' to public health if Canada doesn't maintain a high vaccination rate.
Judge considers dismissing indictment against Alec Baldwin in fatal shooting of cinematographer
A New Mexico judge is considering Alec Baldwin's request to dismiss a grand jury indictment against him at a virtual court hearing Friday.
LIVE @ 11:30 MT Four 1970s homicides linked to serial killer, Alberta Mounties to reveal Friday
A dead serial sexual offender and killer has been linked to four homicides in the 1970s in Alberta, RCMP say.