Latina and Latino Nurses: Why are there so few?

The Tomás Rivera Policy Institute released a new report: Latina and Latino Nurses: Why are there so few? The report identifies current and projected shortages in U.S. nursing professionals as a growing concern threatening the integrity of the health care system. Further exacerbating this shortage is a lack of diversity and the increasing average age among nurses. The new TRPI study also provides recommendations for policies and interventions most likely to increase Latina and Latino participation in the nursing workforce.

Barriers for Hispanic nurses and assistant nurses:

• Lack of time to study due to family obligations.

• Difficulty getting admitted to nursing school due to limited seating availability.

• Lack of financial support for nursing school.

• Lack of academic preparation and training.

Barriers for Hispanic non-nurses:

• Lack of knowledge about the nursing profession.

• Lack of a role model in the field.

• Nursing is considered too stressful and demanding.

Recommendations:

• Improvements in educational access in terms of better academic preparation during high school, more financial aid for higher education, more awareness and information about nursing degree programs, and greater cultural sensitivity in the teaching and treatment of nurses.

• An overall improvement in working conditions faced by nurses in terms of understaffing, administrative support and job-related stress.