Nursing colonialism in America: Implications for nursing leadership

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nurse leader's role in understanding the impact of American colonialism – specifically racism, a product of colonialism – as a key determinant in shaping the education of nursing students and its influence on practicing nurses. American values have been grounded in its colonialism and continue to be influential in shaping beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and policies within the United States. Like racism, American colonialism depends on its perceived death for its survival – this is its paradox. Historic roots of the nursing profession evolved within this context of American colonialism which has shaped the lens of individuals who are the leaders and practitioners in our profession. Therefore, it is important to examine strategies that challenge and decolonize the nursing profession and to become an accomplice, clarifying and addressing inclusion/exclusion in our profession's leadership machine including: hiring/promotion practices, confrontation of White silence, critiquing design and dissemination of knowledge development, and fostering widespread change in nursing education/curriculum. Understanding the invisible internalization and manifestation of racism within our profession must be addressed if we are to advance the integrity and quality of education and practice in the nursing profession and to promote equity of healthcare among all individuals in the United States.