Racial implicit bias: Perspectives of nursing students

Abstract

Background: Racial implicit bias contributes to healthcare disparities. While research has been conducted on other health professionals, there is a lack of evidence about nursing students' experiences with racial implicit bias.

Purpose: This study described the perspectives of pre-licensure nursing students regarding racial implicit bias (RIB) and its impact on patient care.

Method: A qualitative descriptive methodology utilizing focus groups was used to describe the students' perspectives.

Results: Data analysis revealed three main themes: RIB may not be on purpose, but wrong is wrong; Bad nurse versus good nurse; and This is not okay.

Conclusion: As RIB continues to contribute to health care disparities, this study reveals the need for it to be addressed in nursing education, while students prepare to be front line health care professionals.

Keywords: Nursing students; Racial implicit bias.