Investing in Diversity and Community
There’s an inherent sense of belonging that patients feel when they receive care from physicians and nurses who look like them. The difference made can be as simple as understanding hair and skin care needs, or as profound as understanding the cultural cues that help families comprehend and act upon diagnoses and care decisions.
The St. Louis Children’s Hospital Black Nurses Scholarship represents one of the many ways we are committed to providing the best care for kids – by recruiting and retaining a talented, culturally competent workforce that is fully inclusive of the populations we serve.
Current State
A lack of diversity and representation in the nursing staff at St. Louis Children’s can affect our ability to foster a culturally sensitive hospital environment, which is essential to providing the extraordinary care every child deserves.
By investing in the Black Nurses Scholarship Program, donors can reduce financial barriers for minority candidates working towards their Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) and, in turn, help diversify the workforce across all BJC hospitals
The Path Forward
Together, we will realize our vision of a nursing workforce that represents more children and families in the regions we serve. With your help, the Black Nurses Scholarship Program will:
- Award 5-10 scholarships for up to $10,000 each annually to high potential candidates seeking their BSN.
- Pair diverse nurses with academic and professional role models and mentors.
- Build a successful, sustainable pipeline of nurses that reflects the diversity of our communities.