Recent legislation limiting DEIB (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging) training has sparked uncertainty nationwide, with the nursing field acutely feeling the impact. In response, the Tri-Council for Nursing, an influential nursing collaborative, has stepped forward with a strong public statement.
In a 2024 press release, “The Imperative Need for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Nursing,” the Tri-Council asserts the necessity of DEIB in health care.
They argue that these principles are essential for quality care because nurses who can connect with patients from various backgrounds are able to build trust, which directly correlates to improved treatment results. They also highlight how DEIB initiatives help attract and retain a nursing workforce that mirrors the populations of the communities they serve, fostering a welcoming work environment that reduces staff turnover and elevates patient satisfaction.
The Tri-Council for Nursing, established in 1977, is an alliance of five major organizations: 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. Although each organization has its own distinct mission, the Tri-Council unites them under shared values to provide leadership for the nursing profession and address key issues affecting health care and health care education.
Collaborating with colleges, the Tri-Council for Nursing establishes quality standards, supports various nursing entry pathways, and builds consensus on priority health issues through regular meetings. Their recent statement calls on nursing education institutions to embrace DEIB in the face of ongoing sociopolitical challenges, emphasizing inclusivity as indispensable in preparing the next generation of nurses to serve effectively in increasingly varied health care environments.
The statement’s closing resonates with urgency: “[DEIB] programs are critical to improving nursing education and practice … DEIB is foundational to the health and well-being of all individuals and [are] a crucial part of the Tri-Council’s mission to advance the nursing profession.”
