Role out of Network of Black Male Nursing Leaders Mentorship Program.

Abstract

Despite nursing being the largest segment in all of the healthcare workforce, with over five million practicing registered nurses in the United States, Black males remain significantly underrepresented, comprising merely about 0.67% to 1% of the nursing workforce. This underrepresentation extends into leadership positions, where the number of Black male leaders in nursing is described as unquantifiable. In response to this disparity, five doctorally prepared Black male nurse leaders established the Network of Black Male Nurse Leaders (NBMNL). This paper discusses the establishment of the NBMNL, provides an update on the number of Black male nurse leaders, and explores the interest among Black male nurses in receiving mentorship to support their leadership development. The paper underscores the importance of mentoring and supporting Black male nurses to increase their representation in the field as well as improve the health outcomes of the communities they serve, thereby advancing health equity.