Diversity — School of Nursing

"If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities, and so weave a less arbitrary social fabric, one in which each diverse human gift will find a fitting place."

Margaret Mead, anthropologist (1901 to 1978)

The School of Nursing seeks to create a welcoming environment that reflects and values increasing the diversity of faculty and students.

diversity

On behalf of Dean Patricia Chiverton and the Diversity Action Committee we would like to share with you the 2007-2008 Action Plan for Addressing Diversity Objective.

Goal Objective:
Create a welcoming environment that reflects and values increasing diversity of the faculty, staff and students at the School of Nursing.

Action Plan:
Create non-threatening learning opportunities by offering activities (some mandatory, some optional) that facilitate understanding and discussions about diversity.

All Faculty and Staff are required to complete a minimum of ONE of the following by mid-April 2008. You are welcome to come to ALL of them.

THE READINGS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE CERC DESK.

1) "The Pressure to Cover" by Kenji Yoshino
Discussion: Monday, November 5, 2007, from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. in the Evarts Lounge.

2) "Colorblind to the Reality of Race in America" by Ian E. Haney Lopez
Discussion: Monday, February 4, 2008, from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. in the Evarts Lounge.

3) "Power and Effectiveness: Envisioning an Alternate Program" by Maureen Walker
Discussion: Monday, April 7, 2008, from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. in the Evarts Lounge.

Inclusiveness Forum, September 24, 2007 - *pdf

Inclusiveness in Nursing Forums are designed to provide students a collegial environment for exploring and promoting inclusiveness in professional nursing.

The School of Nursing hosted the Workforce Diversity Network Meeting on September 21, 2006. Dean Patricia Chiverton was the invited speaker. She presented an account of the School’s Diversity Action plan and activities - PDF format
"Understanding Race" Presented by Mary Dombeck on April 18, 2007 as a requested program for the HIPTeen Research Group on 4/18/07.
"Transgender Health" Presented on April 20, 2007 was attended by close to 100 students, staff, and faculty from the School of Nursing, the School of Medicine and Dentistry, and Strong Memorial Hospital. The presentation was offered in the spirit of our ongoing quest for diversity enlightenment. The program began with a talk given by Vincent Silenzio, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Departments of Family Medicine and Community and Preventive Medicine. Dr. Silenzio works with transgender patients at the Highland Family Medicine Center in Rochester. Dr. Silenzio's talk was followed by a discussion with one of his patients, Joey, who is undergoing a female to male (FTM) transition. Following the presentations, "Southern Comfort" - a moving documentary was screened. "Southern Comfort" is about the life of Robert Eads, a 52-year-old FTM transgender, who lived in the back hills of Georgia. He was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, then turned away for care by more than two dozen doctors who feared that taking on a transgendered patient might harm their practice. Awarded the Grand Jury Documentary prize at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival. At the end of the documentary, Robert's partner, Lola, remarks, "Nature delights in diversity. Why don't human beings?" A link to the documentary follows: http://www.docurama.com/productdetail.html?productid=NV-NVG-5602-NVG-9539

"Transgender Health" was co-sponsored by Spectrum (URMC association of LGBT medical professionals), the School of Nursing, and CACHED (the Center for Advocacy, Community Health, Education, and Diversity (CACHED) of the School of Medicine and Dentistry).

Diversity Enhancement Award

The Mary Dombeck Diversity Enhancement Award is an annual award designed to recognize individuals that have demonstrated a significant commitment to enhancing diversity at the University of Rochester School of Nursing. These individuals have helped to advance the creation and implementation of University-wide Diversity and Inclusiveness Action Plans. Someone who actively supports diversity and inclusiveness initiatives; exhibits respect, appreciation and value for each individual; demonstrates leadership qualities that foster an inclusive environment; promotes educational programs that enhance diversity and inclusiveness.

The 2007 Mary Dombeck Diversity Enhancement Faculty Member of the Year: Sally Ellis Fletcher

Sally inspires acceptance and appreciation for each persons uniqueness throughout the faculty and staff. She is a gentle change agent in our midst who leads by example. She reaches out to all and never fails to recognize each little acheivement. She is thoughtful and helpful in discussions regarding diversity, offering compassion and openness that encourages others to understand more.

The 2007 Mary Dombeck Diversity Enhancement Staff Member of the Year: Pamela Sawdey

Pam demonstartes the support of diversity and inclusiveness, respect, appreciation and value for others and true leadership qualities in creating and fostering an inclusive environment. She is a caring colleague and mentor to staff working with her.

For additional information contact:

Mary Dombeck, PhD, DMin, RN
Professor of Nursing, Helen Wood Hall 2W107
(585)275-8898 Mary_Dombeck@urmc.rochester.edu

Patricia Chiverton, EdD, RN, FNAP
Dean and Professor, School of Nursing
Vice President, Strong Health Nursing
(585)275-8902 Patricia_Chiverton@urmc.rochester.edu

Diversity Action Committee Members 2007-2008

Mary Dombeck, Academic Track Faculty, School of Nursing Diversity Officer
Patricia Chiverton, Dean, School of Nursing
Kathy Rideout, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs
Sally Ellis Fletcher, Senior Associate in Nursing
Christina Kouloughoti, Assistant Professor
Susan Lowey, Doctoral Student
Ulandus Powell-Quinn, Administrative Assistant
Hyekyun Rhee, Associate Professor
Therese Schwartz, Clinical Track Faculty
Eva Wood, Information Analyst II

Professional Organizations

The Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International
Diversity Resource Paper

American Nurses Association
Ethics and Human Rights Position Statements:
Cultural Diversity in Nursing Practice Effective Date: October 22, 1991

NCEMNA (National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurse Associations)
A unified force advocating for equity and justice in nursing and health care for ethnic minority populations.

American Assembly for Men in Nursing
Providing a framework for nurses to meet, discuss, and influence factors which affect men as nurses.

Association of American Medical Colleges

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