Tri-Council Releases Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Nursing

The Imperative Need for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Nursing

As part of nursing’s ongoing commitment to advance health equity and advocate for quality care, the Tri-Council for Nursing — the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the American Nurses Association (ANA), the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), and the National League for Nursing (NLN) — calls for unwavering support for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) within nursing education, practice and all other healthcare sectors.

As a result of numerous legislative efforts across the country, DEIB is under immense pressure with threats or challenges to prohibit vital programs, training, and education at multiple levels. DEIB initiatives are critical in developing and maintaining a nursing workforce capable of providing high-quality and culturally relevant care for all patients and communities, especially underserved populations. DEIB principles are integral to addressing the stark disparities in health outcomes disproportionately affecting communities of color, economically disadvantaged populations, rural communities, and other marginalized individuals.

By integrating DEIB education and programs in academic and health care institutions, we prepare nurses and nursing students to understand and effectively address the complex needs of an increasingly diverse patient population. An inclusive work environment helps recruit and retain a diverse nursing workforce reflective of the varying cultural perspectives, backgrounds, and lived experiences of the patients and communities that they serve. Effective communication and enhanced trust between the patient and nurse lead to improved patient engagement and health literacy — all key factors in successful health outcomes.

In cooperation with DEIB programs, these principles are critical to improving nursing education and practice, overall benefiting the quality of care provided to communities nationwide. DEIB is foundational to the health and well-being of all individuals and is a crucial part of the Tri-Council’s mission to advance the nursing profession.

The statement is available online at TriCouncilForNursing.org.

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The Tri-Council for Nursing is an alliance between the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, the American Nurses Association, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, and the National League for Nursing. While each organization has its own constituent membership and unique mission, they are united by common values and convene regularly for the purpose of dialogue and consensus building, to provide stewardship within the profession of nursing.

These organizations represent nurses in practice, nurse executives and nursing educators. The Tri-Council’s diverse interests encompass the nursing work environment, health care legislation, and policy, quality of health care, nursing education, practice, research and leadership across all segments of the health delivery system.

About the American Association of Colleges of Nursing

AACN is the national voice for academic nursing representing more than 875 schools of nursing nationwide. AACN establishes quality standards for nursing education, influences the nursing profession to improve health care, and promotes public support of baccalaureate and graduate nursing education, research, and practice. For more information about AACN, visit aacnnursing.org and connect with us on LinkedIn and  X.

About the American Nurses Association

The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the premier organization representing the interests of the nation's 5 million registered nurses. ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting a safe and ethical work environment, bolstering the health and wellness of nurses, and advocating on health care issues that affect nurses and the public. ANA is at the forefront of improving the quality of health care for all. For more information, visit www.nursingworld.org.

About the American Organization for Nursing Leadership

As the national professional organization of more than 12,000 nurse leaders, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) is the voice of nursing leadership. Our membership encompasses nurse leaders working in hospitals, health systems, academia and other care settings across the care continuum. Since 1967, the organization has led the field of nursing leadership through professional development, advocacy and research that advances nursing leadership practice and patient care. AONL is an affiliate of the American Hospital Association. For more information, visit AONL.org.

About National Council of State Boards of Nursing

Empowering and supporting nursing regulators across the world in their mandate to protect the public, NCSBN is an independent, not-for-profit organization. As a global leader in regulatory excellence, NCSBN champions regulatory solutions to borderless health care delivery, agile regulatory systems and nurses practicing to the full scope of their education, experience and expertise. A world leader in test development and administration, NCSBN’s NCLEX Exams are internationally recognized as the preeminent nursing examinations. NCSBN’s membership is comprised of the nursing regulatory bodies (NRBs) in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and four U.S. territories. There are seven exam user members and 23 associate members that are either NRBs or empowered regulatory authorities from other countries or territories. For more information, visit ncsbn.org.

About the National League for Nursing

Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. The NLN offers professional development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its nearly 45,000 individual and 1,000 institutional members, comprising nursing education programs across the spectrum of higher education and health care organizations. Learn more at NLN.org.