Transforming Outputs
Association News
Pride Month and Beyond–NPD Allies
By Jillian A. Russell, MSN, RN, NPD-BC
The month of June is widely recognized as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) Pride Month to recognize the global impact of this community (United States Census Bureau, 2022). Unfortunately, the LGBTQIA+ community is a health disparate population facing discrimination and obstacles to access health care.
This gap in practice creates a unique opportunity for nursing professional development (NPD) practitioners to serve as an ally and work to reduce disparities for this population. Not only do NPD practitioners have an ethical obligation to promote inclusive learning environments, the recently updated Nursing Professional Development Scope & Standards of Practice (Harper & Maloney, 2022) describes a new standard of practice—Standard 9. Respectful and Equitable Practice. Competencies for both the NPD practitioner and specialist are outlined to promote social equity in practice.
Consider tapping in to the following resources this Pride Month—and beyond—to amplify your NPD practice and role as an ally.
References
Harper, M. G., & Maloney, P. (Eds). (2022). Nursing professional development: Scope & standards of practice (4th ed.). Association for Nursing Professional Development.
United States Census Bureau. (2022). LGBTQIA+ pride month: June 2022. https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/lgbt-pride-month.html