CEO CORNER
More Than a Survey
A Catalyst for Change in Nursing
Serena Bumpus, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CAE
CEO, Texas Nurses Association
THE NURSING PROFESSION HAS LONG BEEN GROUNDED in a commitment to caring, advocacy, and compassion. Yet, like many professions and institutions, nursing is not immune to the effects of racism, discrimination, and bias. These experiences can impact nurses' well-being, professional growth, workplace satisfaction, and ultimately the quality of care delivered to patients. To create meaningful change, we must first understand the experiences of those affected. That is why the launch of the EMPOWERED Nurses Survey: Nurses' Experiences with Racism, Discrimination, and Bias represents such an important moment for nursing in Texas.
This survey is more than a research project. It is an opportunity to listen.
For far too long, conversations about racism, discrimination, and bias in healthcare have often relied on anecdotal evidence and individual stories. While these narratives are incredibly powerful, there remains a need for comprehensive data that helps us understand the scope, frequency, and impact of these experiences across the nursing workforce. The EMPOWERED Nurses Survey was developed to help fill that gap by gathering meaningful information directly from nurses themselves.
Every nurse has a story. Some have witnessed these behaviors in the workplace. Others may have personally experienced them from colleagues, leadership, patients, or families. Some may have felt barriers to advancement or inclusion. Still others may not have personally experienced these challenges but have observed their effects on coworkers and teams. By collecting these perspectives, we gain a clearer picture of the realities nurses face every day.
The information gathered through this survey will provide valuable insights into how racism, discrimination, and bias affect the nursing profession across diverse practice settings, specialties, career stages, and geographic regions. More importantly, it will help identify opportunities for improvement.
DATA HAS THE POWER TO DRIVE CHANGE
When organizations, policymakers, educators, and healthcare leaders have access to reliable information, they are better equipped to make informed decisions. The results of the EMPOWERED Nurses Survey will help guide future educational initiatives, workforce development efforts, leadership training, advocacy priorities, and policy discussions. The findings can also help organizations identify areas where additional support, resources, and interventions may be needed to foster more inclusive workplace cultures.
The nursing profession has always embraced evidence-based practice. We use data to improve patient outcomes, strengthen safety measures, and advance clinical excellence. It is equally important that we apply the same evidence-based approach to understanding the experiences of the nursing workforce itself. By doing so, we can move beyond assumptions and develop strategies grounded in real-world experiences and measurable needs.
Importantly, this work is not about assigning blame. It is about creating understanding.
The goal of the survey is to elevate the voices of nurses and create opportunities for meaningful dialogue and progress. Meaningful change begins with honest conversations, and honest conversations require a willingness to listen. By participating in this survey, nurses contribute to a broader effort to ensure that every member of the profession feels valued, respected, supported, and empowered to succeed.
The impact of this work extends beyond individual nurses. A more inclusive and equitable nursing workforce benefits healthcare organizations, communities, and patients. Nurses who feel psychologically safe and supported are better positioned to thrive professionally, collaborate effectively, and provide high-quality care. Creating environments where all nurses can contribute fully strengthens the profession as a whole.
The launch of this survey also reflects nursing's ongoing commitment to leadership and innovation. As healthcare continues to evolve, the profession must proactively address challenges that affect workforce engagement, retention, and advancement. Understanding how racism, discrimination, and bias influence nurses' experiences is an essential part of building a stronger, more resilient future for nursing.
The EMPOWER Education and Research Committee has dedicated countless hours to developing a thoughtful, comprehensive survey designed to capture these important experiences. Their work reflects a shared belief that progress begins with understanding and that meaningful solutions require meaningful data.
As the survey reaches nurses across Texas, every response will matter. Each completed survey contributes another piece to the larger picture. Together, those responses will help create one of the most important bodies of information available on this topic within our state's nursing workforce.
The nursing profession has always been strongest when it listens, learns, and leads. The EMPOWERED Nurses Survey embodies each of those principles. By listening to nurses, learning from their experiences, and using those insights to inform future action, we have an opportunity to move the profession forward in significant and lasting ways.
This is more than a survey. It is a chance to better understand our profession, strengthen our workplaces, and help ensure that every nurse has the opportunity to thrive.
The future of nursing depends on our willingness to learn from one another. Through this effort, we are taking an important step toward that future.
To take the survey click here. TN
