Diversifying neonatal nursing programs could address disparities

A study found 19.5% of neonatal intensive care unit admissions were Latin American, but only 5.7% of neonatal nurse practitioner students were Latin American. Similarly, 18% of newborns admitted to the NICUs were Black, compared with 6.5% of NNP students. The authors conclude the ability to diversify the NNP workforce will lead to better neonatal outcomes. They call for efforts to increase diversity in NICU nurses and NNPs in nursing schools; addressing barriers to underrepresented minority nursing students and faculty; and focusing on strategies to increase recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority nursing students and faculty. Advances in Neonatal Care published the study.