Navigating the Unseen Strain: The Hidden Challenges of Black Nursing Faculty in the Fight Against Anti-Black Racism

Abstract

As Black faculty members of a majority-White nursing school, we reflected on our unique experiences as part of a Black community engagement project, aimed at addressing anti-Black racism in nursing education. Our positionality created a complex scenario as we navigated emotionally heavy discussions, grappled with our ability to manage competing interests and care for our own well-being. The invisibility of the undue burden of anti-racism work is discussed. Recommendations for alleviating the burden are proposed based on this lived experience. Nursing schools must recognize the uniqueness of Black faculty members’ experiences. Proposed strategies include creating mechanisms and resources for emotional support and incorporating anti-racism initiatives into the nursing school's values and strategic plan.

Keywords

anti-racism anti-Black racism nursing education black faculty black community engagement black mental health

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