LAC holds Diversity Think Tank

The Louisiana Action Coalition hosted its first Nursing Workforce Diversity Think Tank on August 26 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. More than 80 thought leaders from across the state were in attendance.

Barbara Nichols, DNSc (hon), MS, RN, FAAN, Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action diversity consultant, delivered the keynote address, Diversity and the Global Nursing Workforce, which set the stage for the charge for the day. Following Nichols’ keynote speech, Cynthia Bienemy, RN, PhD, Louisiana Center for Nursing director and co-lead for the Louisiana Action Coalition, presented data identifying the gaps in diversity that currently exist in Louisiana’s RN and APRN workforce.

After the presentations, attendees separated into three groups to participate in break-out sessions to examine the challenges, solutions, and resources needed to address issues related to diversity and nursing leadership, nursing education, and nursing practice in Louisiana. Each group participated in all three discussions. Findings from the break-out group discussions will be used to develop a report that will outline LAC’s plan to create a diverse nursing workforce that is culturally competent and values inclusivity in the provision of healthcare in Louisiana.

In the photo, Norann Planchock, PhD, APRN, BC, leads the education breakout group in a discussion about recruiting and retention of minorities and men into nursing programs.

The Diversity Think Tank was supported by funding from the Robert Wood Johnson foundation, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center.