19 OCTOBER 2024A VISIONARY LEADER: DR. TINAMARIE ESTES-WASHINGTON, DNP, RN, PCCNDr. Tinamarie Estes-Washington, DNP, RN, PCCN, recognized the immense potential for collaboration between nursing leadership and the EEHI. With her commitment to DEI, she spearheaded the establishment of a network-wide DEI nursing council, bringing together passionate nurses from all nine AHN hospitals. This council serves as a powerful force for change, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of frontline nurses are heard and integrated into the organization's DEI efforts.COLLABORATION IS KEY: PARTNERING WITH FRONTLINE WORKERSWhile the EEHI provides strategic direction and resources, true DEI success hinges on collaboration with frontline workers. This is why establishing DEI nursing councils across all nine AHN hospitals is critical. The AHN Network Nursing DEI council was established by Dr. Tinamarie Estes- Washington, DNP, RN, PCCN- Director of Nursing and Alicia Lapalombara-Director Network Nursing Operations. The network nursing council then engaged each hospital and supported them with establishing their hospital-based DEI councils. These councils serve as a vital bridge between the EEHI and the nursing workforce, ensuring that initiatives are grounded in the realities of everyday practice.THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP: "DIVERSITY IS INVITING EVERYONE TO THE PARTY; INCLUSION IS INVITING THEM TO DANCE."Our DEI network nursing council's motto perfectly encapsulates the importance of this partnership. Diversity brings people from all backgrounds to the table, but inclusion is ensuring everyone feels empowered to participate and contribute. By working together, the EEHI and the nursing councils can create a truly inclusive environment where all nurses feel valued, respected and supported.NURSING LEADERSHIP: CHAMPIONS OF DEINursing leadership plays a crucial role in driving DEI initiatives at the hospital level. Each hospital has dedicated Nursing Equity Officers who serve as champions of DEI within their respective hospitals. These officers are responsible for:· Educating staff: Providing ongoing education and training on DEI principles and best practices.· I am building a speak-up culture, Encouraging open communication and creating a safe space for staff to voice concerns or suggestions related to DEI.· Engaging staff: Nurses should actively participate in DEI initiatives and ensure their voices are heard.· Acting as a resource: Serving as a point of contact for employees with questions or concerns about DEI. BRIDGING THE GAP: THE DEI NETWORK NURSING COUNCILThe DEI Network Nursing Council is vital in bridging the gap between the EEHI and the nursing organization. This council, comprised of representatives from each hospital's Nursing Equity Council, serves as a sounding board for the EEHI, providing valuable insights and feedback on DEI initiatives. The council also plays a crucial role in disseminating information and resources to frontline staff, ensuring that DEI efforts directly impact the nurses who care for patients and improve patient experience and outcomes.CREATING A DIVERSE, EQUITABLE AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR NURSES: WHY IT MATTERSNurses are the backbone of the healthcare system and represent the largest workforce within the industry. A diverse nursing workforce reflects the communities served and brings a wealth of perspectives and experiences to patient care. This diversity enriches the quality of care, improves patient outcomes and fosters a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.By investing in DEI initiatives and fostering a culture of collaboration, hospital networks can reap the numerous benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce. This includes:· Enhanced patient care: A diverse nursing workforce can better understand and address the unique needs of patients from different backgrounds.· Improved employee satisfaction and retention: Nurses who feel valued and included are likelier to be engaged in their work and stay with the organization.· Increased innovation and creativity: A diverse team brings a wider range of perspectives and ideas, leading to more innovative solutions and improved problem-solving.· Enhanced reputation and community trust: A hospital network that prioritizes DEI sends a powerful message to the community, demonstrating its commitment to equitably serving everyone.In conclusion, achieving true DEI in healthcare requires a top-down approach with dedicated resources and a commitment to collaboration. By investing in a dedicated DEI team like the EEHI, partnering with frontline workers through initiatives like DEI nursing councils and empowering nursing leadership, hospital networks can create a culture of equity and inclusion that benefits patients, employees and the community. This commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just the right thing to do; it is essential for building a thriving and sustainable healthcare organization today. BY WORKING TOGETHER, THE EEHI AND THE NURSING COUNCILS CAN CREATE A TRULY INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE ALL NURSES FEEL VALUED, RESPECTED AND SUPPORTED
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