Advisor
Hummel, Faye I.
Committee Member
Henry, Melissa
Committee Member
Wacker, Robbyn
Committee Member
Allen, David G
Department
Nursing
Institution
University of Northern Colorado
Type of Resources
Text
Place of Publication
Greeley (Colo.)
Publisher
University of Northern Colorado
Date Created
12-1-2009
Genre
Thesis
Extent
147 pages
Digital Origin
Born digital
Description
This study examined the existence of implicit racial bias in nursing faculty using the Implicit Association Test (IAT). It was conducted within a critical race theory framework where race was seen as a permanent, pervasive, and systemic condition, not an individual process. The study was fueled by data showing continued disparate academic and NCLEX-RN pass rates between students of color and White nursing students. In exploring why these disparities continue to exist in spite of increased efforts at recruitment and support, this study used the Skin-Tone Implicit Association Test to determine if racial bias might be a factor. Baccalaureate nursing faculty from diverse institutions (size, public/private, geographic area) completed the Skin-Tone IAT, explicit measures of bias, and a demographic questionnaire. Results showed statistically significant levels of implicit racial bias in nursing faculty and statistically significant differences between measures of implicit bias and explicit measures of bias. Measures of implicit bias and explicit measures of bias in nursing faculty did not significantly differ from data gathered from a sample of over 121,000 people who completed both surveys on the public IAT website. Establishing the existence of racial bias in nursing education leads to important discussions about the Whiteness of nursing and nursing education. This study concluded with concrete steps that could be taken to create a more welcoming and power-balanced environment for nursing students of color. These changes--occurring at the interpersonal, departmental, and institutional level--could lead to greater student success and a transformation of nursing education.
Notes
Dean's Citation for Outstanding Dissertation
Degree type
PhD
Degree Name
Doctoral
Language
English
Local Identifiers
Fitzsimmons_unco_0161N_10022
Rights Statement
Copyright is held by author.
