All-Encompassing Equity Transformation Initiative at the Rutgers School of Nursing: Reviewing the Impact

Proposal: The equity transformation initiative at the Rutgers School of Nursing originated in July 2020 as a meaningful initiative aimed at combatting racism and bias at the School of Nursing. The initial initiative included the formation of the Dean’s Committee on Anti-Racism and Anti-Bias, implementation of Impact Dialogue Circles, and the development of an anonymous digital bias reporting mechanism. The initial plan grew to become a multi-year project of orgnazational-discovery, meaningful dialogue, enrichment presentations, and reality that is much closer to being the community of care for which many organizations strive.

During the presentation, participants will hear of the various components of the initiative, which came to be known as the Rutgers School of Nursing Equity Transformation Initiative. Details include the complete planning process, collaborations outside of the School of Nursing, the inclusion of members of each audience within the group, the initiation of Power of Difference Groups (PODS), communication throughout the process, and assessment.

The individuals leading the initiative include international and national experts in equity and belonging, have published research on topics of equity and belonging in healthcare, have experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion work, and others are new to the topic but have a burning desire to give of their time and talents while learning along the way. All were welcomed.

The equity transformation initiative reaches individuals on the faculty, staff, and students within the Rutgers School of Nursing with elements of the initiative impacting curriculum, extra-curricular activities, and leadership enrichment for senior administrators. The initiative is relevant to social mission in this particular health profession (nursing) as this initiative has transformed the experience of the nearly 600 nursing professionals graduating from the Rutgers School of Nursing each year.