Researching Racism in Nursing: Reflexive Accounts and Personal Stories

This book explores the impact of racism on the working lives of nurses and nurse academics, healthcare service delivery, and outcomes. It includes personal reflections on findings from six doctoral researchers and practitioners in the UK's National Health Service and Universities. It provides a valuable contribution to students, researchers, and practitioners interested in health inequalities, healthcare organizations, research methods, and workforce development.

Format: Hardback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Research indicates that racism significantly impacts the professional lives of nurses, nurse academics, healthcare service delivery, and outcomes. This comprehensive book delves into the profound effects of racism, encompassing experiences ranging from subtle microaggressions to overt discrimination and systemic and institutionalized forms of racism. By examining the work of six distinguished doctoral researchers and practitioners who have chosen to confront and investigate the racism they encounter or witness within the UK's National Health Service and universities, this book offers personal insights into their findings. The substantive chapters are contextualized by a discussion of policy and research on racism, reflections on research methodologies within this field, and a consolidation of the key themes emerged throughout the book. This work serves as a vital contribution to students, researchers, and practitioners with a keen interest in health inequalities, healthcare organizations, research methods, and workforce development.

Introduction:
Racism is a pervasive issue that permeates various aspects of society, including the workplace. The impact of racism on the professional lives of nurses and nurse academics is particularly concerning, as it not only affects their well-being but also has a profound effect on healthcare service delivery and outcomes. This book aims to shed light on the multifaceted effects of racism in the healthcare sector and explore the experiences of individuals who have faced or observed racism in their work environments.

The Impact of Racism on Nurses and Nurse Academics:
Research has shown that racism affects the working lives of nurses and nurse academics in numerous ways. One of the most significant impacts is the emotional and psychological toll it takes on individuals. Racism can lead to feelings of isolation, stress, and anxiety, which can negatively impact their job performance and overall well-being. Nurses and nurse academics who experience racism may also feel a sense of disempowerment and frustration, as they may feel that their voices are not heard or valued in the workplace.

In addition to the emotional and psychological effects, racism can also lead to physical health problems for nurses and nurse academics. Studies have shown that racial discrimination can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes among healthcare workers. Racism can also contribute to workplace stress, which can lead to burnout and reduced job satisfaction.

Furthermore, racism can impact healthcare service delivery and outcomes. Racist attitudes and behaviors can lead to disparities in healthcare quality and patient care. For example, patients from marginalized communities may be less likely to receive timely and appropriate care, or may be subjected to discriminatory treatment by healthcare providers. This can lead to poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare costs.

Personal Reflections on the Impact of Racism:
In order to better understand the impact of racism on the healthcare sector, this book includes personal reflections on the experiences of six doctoral researchers and practitioners who have chosen to address and investigate the racism they encounter or observe in the UK's National Health Service and universities. These individuals have dedicated their careers to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the healthcare workforce and have faced numerous challenges along the way.

Through their personal reflections, the authors provide a deep insight into the experiences of racism in the healthcare sector. They discuss the subtle and overt forms of racism they have encountered, including microaggressions, discrimination, and structural and institutionalized racism. They also share their personal struggles and strategies for coping with the emotional and psychological toll of racism.

The substantive chapters of this book are framed by a discussion of policy and research on racism, thoughts on research supervision. supervision within this field, and a drawing together of the key themes developed through this book. This provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on racism in the healthcare sector and highlights the need for continued efforts to address and eliminate this pervasive issue.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, racism has a profound impact on the professional lives of nurses and nurse academics, as well as healthcare service delivery and outcomes. This book serves as a valuable resource for students, researchers, and practitioners with an interest in health inequalities, healthcare organizations, research methods, and workforce development. By examining the work of six distinguished doctoral researchers and practitioners who have chosen to confront and investigate the racism they encounter or witness within the UK's National Health Service and universities, this book offers personal insights into their findings. The substantive chapters are contextualized by a discussion of policy and research on racism, reflections on research methodologies, supervision within this field, and a consolidation of the key themes emerged throughout the book. This work serves as a vital contribution to students, researchers, and practitioners with a keen interest in health inequalities, healthcare organizations, research methods, and workforce development.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032217635