Nurses in Kentucky Face Threats of License Non-Renewal over Implicit Bias Training
Nurses in Kentucky are facing potential license non-renewal if they refuse to undergo mandatory implicit bias training. The training aims to educate nurses on the impact of historical racism and discrimination while emphasizing actions that can reduce perceived biases. However, concerns have been raised about the course’s content, which allegedly portrays white people as inherently racist and oppressors.
The Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) introduced the training requirement in January last year. Nurses who held active licenses as of July 1, 2022, were mandated to complete the course by July 1, 2023. The training includes diagrams illustrating concepts such as overt racism and covert racism, with examples like white privilege denial and excusing racism.
Failure to comply with the training could result in disciplinary actions, according to the KBN. While the organization denies directly threatening non-renewal of licenses, it acknowledged that not completing the course could lead to civil sanctions or discipline.
Laura Morgan, a nurse and program manager at medical advocacy group Do No Harm, explained that the term discipline was interpreted by nurses as a potential threat to their licenses. Morgan and other nurses expressed their dissatisfaction with being labeled as racists and felt compelled to complete the training to protect their careers.
The course was developed by the Kentucky Nurses Association (KNA), which claims the training is necessary to combat discrimination against nurses of color. According to KNA’s CEO Delanor Manson, who is the organization’s first black leader, the nursing profession is predominantly white, with white nurses representing around 92 percent in Kentucky. In comparison, the state’s overall population includes 9 percent black and 5 percent Hispanic individuals.
Not all nurses agree with the training’s premise. Rebecca Wall, a nurse with decades of experience, criticized the Kentucky Board of Nursing for insinuating that all nurses are racist and providing substandard care. Wall reluctantly completed the course but expressed frustration with the idea that her years of service were devalued due to her disagreement with the training’s assumptions.
The Kentucky Board of Nursing’s decision to implement mandatory implicit bias training aligns with a wider national emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Many organizations, including corporations, academic institutions, and tech firms, have embraced the DEI agenda. However, recent reports suggest that DEI professionals have experienced higher attrition rates compared to non-DEI roles, raising concerns about the effectiveness and sustainability of these programs.
While the objective of reducing bias within the nursing profession is commendable, the controversy surrounding the mandatory training in Kentucky highlights the importance of ensuring diversity education is comprehensive, inclusive, and respectful to all individuals involved. Striking a balance between addressing systemic issues and avoiding the demonization of specific groups is crucial to promoting a fair and equitable healthcare environment.
The Epoch Times has reached out to the Kentucky Board of Nursing for their response to the concerns raised by nurses regarding the mandatory training. As this issue sparks further debate, it is essential to consider diverse perspectives and opinions to foster a constructive dialogue around implicit bias and its role in healthcare.
Headline: Nurses in Kentucky Threatened Over Implicit Bias Training, Face License Non-Renewal
Subtitle: Controversial Course Presents Challenges to Nursing Profession in the Pursuit of Bias Reduction
Byline: Naveen Athrappully
Word Count: 471
