Anti-Racism Call to Action | How Nurses Can Fight Inequality

Developed by TNA’s Workplace Advocacy and Practice Committee

The Texas Nurses Association supports nurses’ efforts to transform health in communities across Texas (read our full value statement).  TNA endorses the American Academy of Nursing and American Nurses Association call for social justice to address racism and health equity in communities of color. We denounce racism and are committed to inclusion, diversity and equity in our work. Racism can occur at the individual, institutional and structural levels and is a public health crisis.

To undo racism, we must ask the hard questions, engage in hard dialogue and sustain the hard work to rid our society of this horrible system, which robs people of their vitality, their livelihood and too often, their very lives. Join our call to action as we share how we can all be a part of the solution. 

Here are a few suggested ways to begin conversations and work on undoing racism:

1. Speak up when you see racism at play. Be an ally in the fight for social justice.
2. Practice self-reflection; assess for implicit or unconscious biases (take these free online assessments).
3. Recognize your own privilege and leverage it to advocate for social justice and diversity in the workplace.
4. Volunteer where your strengths lie. 
5. Contribute to peacebuilding activities that will need to happen consistently.
6. Exercise your right to vote and encourage others to do so (visit votetexas.gov) Commit to civic engagement.
7. Utilize teachable moments that are happening all around us. Educators can specifically incorporate analysis of racial disparities and inequality, as well as the history of colonialism and nursing.

The Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement, dedicated to reducing mortality in black people giving birth, has developed a tool called SPEAK UP.

S: Set limits and only allow racially respectful dialogue and actions in your workspace.

P: Practice and prepare. Plan how you will act if you see or hear someone being treated or referred to disrespectfully.

E: Express your concerns. Discuss, but do not blame others.

A: Apologize if you said or did something that others find hurtful.

K: Keep improving. Be mindful and willing to become aware of your unconscious biases.

U: Uncover and learn from disrespectful comments and actions, including jokes.

P: Persuade others to SPEAK UP!

Additional resources:

Tears and fears: White women and social justice

Achieving Health Equity Through Eradicating Structural Racism in the United States: A Call to Action for Nursing Leadership

Addressing health inequities re‐illuminated by the COVID‐19 pandemic: How can nursing respond?