Building a Culture of Equity and Inclusion: How Top-Down Support Drives DEI Success in Healthcare

Through this article, Dr. Tinamarie Estes, discusses the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare organizations, particularly hospital networks. They highlight the role of leadership, dedicated resources and collaboration with frontline workers in achieving true DEI. The author also emphasizes the impact of DEI on patient care, employee satisfaction and overall organizational success.

In today's healthcare landscape, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are no longer just buzzwords; they are essential for building a thriving organization. This is especially true for hospital networks, where a diverse workforce and inclusive environment directly impact patient care, employee satisfaction and overall organizational success.

However, achieving true DEI requires more than just good intentions. It demands a concerted effort from the organization's top, with leadership actively championing the cause and investing in dedicated resources. This is where the Networks Nursing DEI Council and the Enterprise Equitable Health Institute (EEHI) play a crucial role.

Investing in DEI: A Commitment to Success

The organization's commitment to DEI is evident in its decision to invest in the creation of the EEHI. EEHI, led by the SVP Enterprise Chief Clinical Diversity and Equity Officer, drives DEI initiatives across the entire AHN/Highmark footprint. This dedicated team focuses on improving patient, employee and community DEI through various strategies, including:

● Education: Providing comprehensive training programs for staff at all levels to foster understanding and awareness of DEI principles.

● Policy Change: Reviewing and revising existing policies to ensure they are equitable and inclusive, addressing potential biases or barriers.

● Hiring Practices: Implementing fair and unbiased recruitment processes to attract and retain a diverse workforce that reflects the communities served.

● Mentorship: Creating mentorship programs to support the career development of underrepresented staff and foster a culture of belonging.

The organization recognizes the importance of investing in DEI efforts and empowering nursing leadership to drive change. This commitment is demonstrated through:

● Non-Productive Hours: Providing dedicated non-productive hours for Nursing Equity Officers to organize and implement DEI initiatives, ensuring they have the time and resources to make a meaningful impact.

● Budgetary Support: Allocating a budget for the tools and resources needed to engage, educate and showcase DEI efforts within the hospitals. This includes funding training programs, educational materials and events promoting diversity and inclusion.

A Visionary Leader: Dr. Tinamarie Estes-Washington, DNP, RN, PCCN

Dr. Tinamarie Estes-Washington, DNP, RN, PCCN, recognized the immense potential for collaboration between nursing leadership and the EEHI. With her commitment to DEI, she spearheaded the establishment of a network-wide DEI nursing council, bringing together passionate nurses from all nine AHN hospitals. This council serves as a powerful force for change, ensuring that the voices and perspectives of frontline nurses are heard and integrated into the organization's DEI efforts.

Collaboration is Key: Partnering with Frontline Workers

While the EEHI provides strategic direction and resources, true DEI success hinges on collaboration with frontline workers. This is why establishing DEI nursing councils across all nine AHN hospitals is critical. The AHN Network Nursing DEI council was established by Dr. Tinamarie Estes- Washington, DNP, RN, PCCN- Director of Nursing and Alicia Lapalombara-Director Network Nursing Operations. The network nursing council then engaged each hospital and supported them with establishing their hospital-based DEI councils. These councils serve as a vital bridge between the EEHI and the nursing workforce, ensuring that initiatives are grounded in the realities of everyday practice.

The Power of Partnership: "Diversity is Inviting Everyone to the Party; Inclusion is Inviting Them to Dance."

Our DEI network nursing council's motto perfectly encapsulates the importance of this partnership. Diversity brings people from all backgrounds to the table, but inclusion is ensuring everyone feels empowered to participate and contribute. By working together, the EEHI and the nursing councils can create a truly inclusive environment where all nurses feel valued, respected and supported.

Nursing Leadership: Champions of DEI

Nursing leadership plays a crucial role in driving DEI initiatives at the hospital level. Each hospital has dedicated Nursing Equity Officers who serve as champions of DEI within their respective hospitals. These officers are responsible for:

● Educating staff: Providing ongoing education and training on DEI principles and best practices.

● I am building a speak-up culture, Encouraging open communication and creating a safe space for staff to voice concerns or suggestions related to DEI.

● Engaging staff: Nurses should actively participate in DEI initiatives and ensure their voices are heard.

● Acting as a resource: Serving as a point of contact for employees with questions or concerns about DEI.

Bridging the Gap: The DEI Network Nursing Council

The DEI Network Nursing Council is vital in bridging the gap between the EEHI and the nursing organization. This council, comprised of representatives from each hospital's Nursing Equity Council, serves as a sounding board for the EEHI, providing valuable insights and feedback on DEI initiatives. The council also plays a crucial role in disseminating information and resources to frontline staff, ensuring that DEI efforts directly impact the nurses who care for patients and improve patient experience and outcomes.

Creating a Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive Environment for Nurses: Why It Matters

Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system and represent the largest workforce within the industry. A diverse nursing workforce reflects the communities served and brings a wealth of perspectives and experiences to patient care. This diversity enriches the quality of care, improves patient outcomes and fosters a more welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.

By investing in DEI initiatives and fostering a culture of collaboration, hospital networks can reap the numerous benefits of a diverse and inclusive workforce. This includes:

● Enhanced patient care: A diverse nursing workforce can better understand and address the unique needs of patients from different backgrounds.

● Improved employee satisfaction and retention: Nurses who feel valued and included are likelier to be engaged in their work and stay with the organization.

● Increased innovation and creativity: A diverse team brings a wider range of perspectives and ideas, leading to more innovative solutions and improved problem-solving.

● Enhanced reputation and community trust: A hospital network that prioritizes DEI sends a powerful message to the community, demonstrating its commitment to equitably serving everyone.

In conclusion, achieving true DEI in healthcare requires a top-down approach with dedicated resources and a commitment to collaboration. By investing in a dedicated DEI team like the EEHI, partnering with frontline workers through initiatives like DEI nursing councils and empowering nursing leadership, hospital networks can create a culture of equity and inclusion that benefits patients, employees and the community. This commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just the right thing to do; it is essential for building a thriving and sustainable healthcare organization today.