W.E.B. DuBois (1903) posited that the greatest issue that we would face and deal with in the 20th century is the barrier established by the color line. This is especially true in the nursing profession. In 2001, the AACN stated in their paper Effective Strategies For Increasing Diversity In Nursing Programs, “ a culturally diverse nursing workforce is essential to meeting the health care needs of the nation's population. Despite their small numbers, minority nurses are significant contributors to the provision of health care services in this country and leaders in the development of models of care that address the unique needs of minority populations” (AACN, Paragraph 4).
OHSU School of Nursing is committed to the achieving diversity and equity and believes it to be fundamental to our educational mission. OHSU School of Nursing works to enhance and sustain an integrated community for learning among faculty, students and staff, as well as, recruit, develop, and retain the most effective, most diverse student body, faculty, and staff to carry out the varied missions of the statewide School. It is our belief that the quality of learning and the development of citizenry are enhanced by an organizational climate of inclusion, understanding, and appreciation of the full range of the human experience.
Through strategic
alliances, community building, and forums on issues effecting the changing
demographics in Portland, Oregon and the rest of the country, the School
of Nursing pledges its commitment to the education of nurses and nurse
leaders that will provide excellent care to the underserved and ethnic
populations.