Mercy University’s nursing department has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling health disparities through education. The Health Equity Influencers Program for Nurse Educators, launched on June 21, 2024, is designed to empower nursing students and educators to confront health inequities within their communities.
Led by Dr. Kenya Beard, Ed.D., AGACNP-BC, ANEF, FAAN, the Inaugural Dean and Chief Nurse Administrator, this program is a direct response to the school’s revised mission statement from September 2023. The initiative focuses on graduating students prepared to become health equity champions.
At the heart of the program is a commitment to addressing biases in nursing education. It includes anti-bias training that encourages educators to engage in deep self-reflection, recognizing both explicit and implicit biases that may influence their teaching. The training also aims to enhance emotional intelligence among educators, equipping them with practical tools to create a more inclusive and equitable environment.
The program promotes open dialogue regarding injustices in nursing education, urging students to speak up about their experiences. This approach ensures that new perspectives challenge the status quo and outdated biases in educational materials.
With 20 influencers from across the country, the program is working towards systemic change in health equity. Current initiatives include community outreach programs, such as teaching about asthma management at the YWCA in White Plains. Future plans involve expanding to residential areas and even international locations like Guatemala.
Dr. Beard envisions exciting growth for the program, stating, “It’s like growing tentacles.” The initiative is not just about teaching nursing; it’s about forming a culture of equity and fairness within the healthcare system, preparing students to be both competent nurses and advocates for systemic change.
See “Mercy’s Health Equity influencers program Paving the Way for Nurse Educators” (October 12, 2024)
