'Be lifelong learners’

In honor of Black History Month, members of the Columbia Nursing community describe their experience as clinicians, educators, activists, advocates, and leaders, and offer guidance to future generations of Black nurses.  

Faculty  

Assistant Professor Ashley Graham-Perel 

To me, being a Black nurse in 2022 holds several meanings. First, it means that I am a member of a trusted and respected nursing community, one where I can navigate health care as a change agent in various settings. As of late, this viewpoint began to shift in the direction of activism and advocacy. As we all continue to learn how to become a more inclusive and equitable society, being Black nurses gives us the platform to speak up about social justice, social determinants of health, and health inequity. We have the opportunity to not only educate the public and our fellow health care providers, but to also guide our own communities in the direction of a healthier future. 

Assistant Professor Natalie Voigt, PhD '20

As a nurse scientist, my research has focused on physical activity and environmental factors that support healthy aging among older adults living with HIV. As an educator, my focus is on preparing the next generation of competent, empathetic, nonjudgmental clinicians. Throughout my nearly 16-year career as a nurse, I have thought of myself as simply that, a hardworking nurse in each capacity and job title I have held. I never thought of myself as a Black nurse, but perhaps that is how the world sees me. In fact, I identify as a first-generation American of Haitian descent. My race is but one part of me, not the only part of me. To be an excellent nurse, a published scientist, and a capable educator who happens to be Black, is my accomplishment. My parents instilled in me a work ethic that has served me well. I hope to be a role model to all of my students; and, because representation matters, perhaps to my students from underrepresented groups, my example means a bit more. 

Alumni 

Denise Linton, MS ’99 

I would like to say to future generations of Black nurses: Be confident in your ability to become an excellent nurse. We begin nursing as novices but with experience and continuing education we become experts. Be lifelong learners, see all your patients are VIPs and care for them as though they are your loved ones, surround yourselves with positive people, and practice self-care. This is my 36th year as a nurse and I have no regrets regarding the profession that I chose. 

Students 

DNP student Angela Simpson 

I work in the emergency room and love it. However, I notice that when we’re in the rush of a critical situation, people can make assumptions or use stereotypes to form an assessment about someone. As a nurse, I am making sure that I turn off any biases as best I can, and as a Black nurse, I am ensuring I advocate for my patients of color even further if I catch a hint of prejudice clouding clinical judgment from myself or other members of the team. 

My advice to the future generation of Black nurses is to remind yourself that you are worth it! As a freshman in college, I remember when I was told I should change my major or pursue a different career path because of one poor general chemistry grade. As if we haven't all been there at some point. I remember feeling the anxiety surrounding stereotype threat during my undergrad experience. When I graduated, I knew my desire to pursue health care had not changed and nursing was the goal for me! I recommend you discover and channel the same motivation and tenacity that other successful people of our past have used to overcome their obstacles. And remember you are worth it!