Practicing Antiracism in Nursing with Actionable Allyship

Racism in nursing affects all of us—whether we have witnessed it, experienced it firsthand, or examined our own biases rooted in race. Likewise, confronting racism that is decades in the making requires collective action. In the summer of 2022, the American Nurses Association (ANA) unanimously voted “yes” to adopt the ANA Racial Reckoning Statement. This momentous action began as an overdue journey to acknowledge a racist past and recognize that the actions of today will impact the future of nursing as a whole.

The statement was only a first step to lead nursing to an equitable future—and requires change and allyship across the nursing profession. According to the National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing (the Commission)—launched in early 2021 by the American Nurses Association (ANA), National Black Nurses Association, National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations, and National Association of Hispanic Nurses—allyship is an ethical duty through intentional interventions, advocacy, and support to eliminate harmful acts, words, and deeds. It includes creating space to amplify voices that are not traditionally heard, recognized, or welcomed.

What Is Allyship?

“It’s easy to call yourself an ally, but putting your words into action is paramount to making a real impact,” says Cheryl Peterson, MSN, RN, Vice President of Nursing Programs at the ANA, is helping to lead these efforts. “Allyship is about supporting colleagues and patients from marginalized backgrounds by recognizing your privilege and speaking out against discrimination and racism.”

“Nurses of color face discrimination, isolation, and unequal treatment that affect their mental and physical health and can drive them out of the nursing profession for good,” says Peterson. “Allyship imparts these nurses—who we work alongside every day—with support, reassurance, and solidarity, knowing that they are not alone and what is happening to them is wrong.”

“As a white nurse, it is natural to feel uncomfortable and initially believe that maybe you don’t have a place in this conversation,” says Peterson. “Looking within oneself and recognizing your personal and institutional biases is the first step to becoming an authentic ally. Without this discomfort, we aren’t propelling ourselves and the profession towards true inclusion and diversity.” 

Anyone can and should be an ally to those facing discrimination. This can include using privilege, resources, or influence to challenge injustices and advocate for fairness and equality.

Where To Start?

Allyship is an ongoing commitment that requires continuing education, self-reflection, and action to help foster safe and liberating environments. Nurses and nurse leaders can assess their allyship with just five questions developed by the Commission and ANA—the self-assessment scores participants across a spectrum to identify where they are in their journey to allyship.

As nurses continue to practice allyship, actions adapted from the Commission’s list of Ways To Be Anti-Racist in Nursing become second nature.

• Maximize Curiosity & Minimize Certainty

Get curious about the people you work with to understand them better and avoid making assumptions about who they are. Ask yourself: “Why am I thinking this about this person? Where did this originate from, and do I know it to be true?” By first challenging your preconceived notions, you can then work to create a safe environment where underrepresented people feel comfortable sharing their experiences and how they have been affected by racism.

• Be Genuine

Do what you say you are going to do and keep your word. If you do not practice trust, you cannot be an ally. Actively listening to the lived experiences, concerns, and needs of others without judgment or interruption will build trust. Authenticity and sincerity are essential qualities of an ally. Without these qualities, you cannot create a safe space for others to feel secure opening up to you.

• Support Authenticity 

Allow people to be authentic by accepting them for who they are—not what you want or expect them to be based on your own biases. Authenticity in allyship is crucial for building trust and fostering meaningful relationships with marginalized individuals or groups. If nurses are expected to be from the same background, innovation within the nursing profession will cease. Without new perspectives, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to propel the workforce into the future.

Allyship requires self-awareness to recognize and address implicit biases affecting your thoughts and interactions with colleagues. The path to allyship begins with education and staying informed about issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the unique challenges marginalized populations face. The following steps include deciding how you can use your unique position to support colleagues, stand up to discriminatory acts, and work to make your workplace more inclusive.