Hispanic Nurses

Background
The health of the Nation’s population depends on: an adequate supply of healthcare providers, i.e., nurses, and a nursing workforce that reflects the racial/ethnic composition of the population. Hispanic Americans are the second-largest and fastest growing minority in the United States. The U.S. Census Bureau reported that approximately one in eight people is of Hispanic origin. In 2000, 32.8 million Latinos resided in the United States, representing 12% of the total population. By the year 2050, the Hispanic population is predicted to increase to 97 million and constitute 25% of the population, surpassing African Americans. The U.S. Census Bureau (2000) reported the 123,838 Hispanic resided in Tennessee, 2% of its population. Only 2 % of the total number of RNs in the United States are Hispanic (National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses, 2001). Reportedly, as of September 2001, only 23 of the 64,970 RNs in Tennessee are Hispanic (personal communication, TDH, Department of Health Statistics and Research, 2000).

Problem Statement
• The ranks of Hispanic nurses remain disproportionately small compared to the growth in the Hispanic population
• Hispanic are seriously underrepresented in nursing programs at all levels.
Barriers to Entry
• Educational preparation - Approximately 51% complete High school
• Limited financial resources
• Hispanic cultural values - including prescribed gender roles and family support system
• Institution’s policies - regarding recruitment of Hispanic students such as inflexible schedules, access to academic services, etc.
• Few Hispanic faculty and mentors - to provide positive role models for nursing
• Lack of cultural content in nursing curricula

Strategies
Education
• Primary and Secondary Schools