4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 9
A
s an Army brat, I grew up in a truly diverse community,
with children of all skin colors, nationalities and reli-
gions. None of us felt different; we all just saw each
other as friends. I was also very fortunate to attend nurs-
ing school at a historically black university. In addition to
receiving an excellent clinical education, my school powerfully
grounded me in diversity, inclusion, acceptance, empowerment, lead-
ership and pride in my culture.
Looking back, I'm so grateful for the knowledge and positivity I gath-
ered in my youth. I would need it to negotiate the challenges ahead.
Shortly after graduating and starting nursing practice, I sensed that
my skin color caused discomfort for many of my Caucasian patients. I
noticed that when many institutions held recruiting events, historical-
ly black colleges and universities like my alma mater were not invited
to participate. As a leader in group discussions, some co-workers
avoided looking at or addressing me. Once in my career, another sen-
ior leader said I lacked the talent to accomplish my job. Often, I heard
inappropriate or even racist comments. Most were not meant in a
mean-spirited way, but they hurt just the same.
Although my instinct was to push back when these events happened, I
understood that doing so would be counterproductive. A Caucasian
woman who holds her ground has a chance to be seen as strong and
courageous. African American women know that same behavior will
The challenges are real, but we
can overcome them — one peri-
operative leader's perspective.
Nakeisha Archer, MBA, RN,
NE-BC, CNOR, CSSM
Houston, Texas
Hope for
The Future
DIVERSITY