Workshop: DEI Initiatives for Perioperative Nursing Workforce Development, Part 2

Editor's Note 

Small steps can be taken to improve the comfort and care of patients, especially those who identify with the LGBTQ+ community. In Part 2 of this workshop, Ellen Cleary, BSN, RN, MBA, vice president of operations at Northwestern Health System, explained that her organization goes above and beyond for the entire LGBTQ+ community, regardless of whether they identity in the community or consider themselves an ally.

Small gestures can be meaningful and do matter, attendees got to learn. A way to create a more equitable environment for these communities, instance, includes flexibility with pronouns such as adding  pronouns in email signatures, additional gender identities in staff documentation, and giving room to include preferred spouse pronouns in the same.

"At the end of the day, the main concern is the patient,” Jeff Belchee, BSN, RN, CCSM, consultant at BRG Resource Group, said. “Treat them normally. They need you to care for them as you would with anyone else.”

It is important to have staff who will be comfortable and capable when put in a situation that they may deem uncomfortable or unfamiliar. People can be who they want to be and express themselves the way they want to express themselves, Cleary said. “We are the voice for the patients," she added. 

Here are additional takeaways:

• Be cautious as we conceptualize the labels in today’s world. Break through past barriers and open doors to move forward.
• Labeling creates opportunity for judgment. There is a difference between assessment and judgment. Name calling is not acceptable, and this barrier is still present. Leaders should address this issue head-on to change the environment.
• Speak up when a patient or employee is being discriminated against. Not addressing it is condoning the action and normalizes disrespectful actions. Speaking out in a direct and sincere way to yield the best response.
• Your behavior is what people will mirror. Be careful, open minded, and forward-thinking in your leadership. Being a leader provides the best position to impact change. “What we can do as leaders in healthcare is creating visibility and acceptability for the whole system,” Cleary explained.
• Empower your staff. Training your employees when onboarding is crucial to facilitate a respectful and safe environment for all.
• Treat others how you would want to be treated. You’re only going to be as comfortable with others as you are with yourself. 

Cleary concluded by posing the question: “If we are not doing something to improve the world, what are we leaders for?”