Addressing Implicit Bias in Nursing Practice

State Specific Requirements:

The course content adheres to the California registered nursing requirements for licensure and emphasizes evidence-based practice guidelines and ethical standards for knowledge and skill for registered nurses.

 

Summary

This nursing continuing education (CE) course aims to equip registered nurses with the necessary knowledge and skills to recognize and mitigate implicit bias in their practice. Implicit bias refers to attitudes, ways of thinking, or stereotypes that unconsciously affect an individual’s understanding, actions, and decisions. In healthcare settings, implicit bias can lead to disparities in patient care and outcomes. Through this course, nurses will explore the concept of implicit bias, its impact on healthcare delivery, and strategies to promote equitable and culturally competent care.

 

Course Overview:

Implicit bias, often unrecognized and unacknowledged, can significantly impact nursing practice, influencing decision-making, patient interactions, and health outcomes. This continuing education (CE) course aims to equip registered nurses with essential kn and skills to identify, address, and mitigate implicit bias in healthcare settings. Through a comprehensive exploration of the concept of implicit bias, its prevalence in healthcare, and practical strategies for fostering cultural competence, nurses will enhance their ability to provide equitable and patient-centered care to diverse populations.

The course begins with an examination of the definition and characteristics of implicit bias, distinguishing it from explicit bias, and introduces participants to tools such as Implicit Association Tests (IATs) for self-reflection and assessment (American Nurses Association, 2015). Drawing on research evidence, participants will explore the pervasive impact of implicit bias on patient outcomes and healthcare disparities (Hall et al., 2015).

Nurses will engage in reflective exercises to identify personal biases and recognize triggers in clinical settings, laying the groundwork for individual and organizational awareness (Chapman et al., 2013). Strategies to mitigate implicit bias will be explored, including mindfulness techniques, bias interrupters, and promoting diversity and inclusion within healthcare teams (Terrell & Miller, 2017).

Participants will also delve into the principles of cultural competence, learning to provide culturally sensitive care and address language and communication barriers effectively (American Nurses Association, 2015). The course will emphasize the importance of assessing and addressing implicit bias at both the individual and organizational levels, with a focus on developing institutional policies, training programs, and inclusive work environments (Burgess & van Ryn, 2016).

Through case studies, interactive discussions, and evaluation of interventions, nurses will gain practical insights and tools to integrate into their practice, fostering a commitment to ongoing learning and improvement (Project Implicit, n.d.). By enhancing their ability to recognize and mitigate implicit bias, nurses will play a crucial role in advancing health equity and delivering quality care to all patients.

 

Author:  NIHE Faculty

CE Hours:  1

Course Created on:  2/21/24   Course Expires on:  2/21/27

Target Audience: 

• Registered Nurses (RN)
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN/LVN)

Completion Requirements

1. Enrollment in the course by the learner
2. Read and learn all course materials
3. Complete the course evaluation
4. Attest and testify learning of the course materials

Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest and Relevant Financial Relationships

Neither National Institute for Healthcare Education nor any authors, planners, content experts, or contributors have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Accreditation Statement:

National Institute for Healthcare Education, the parent company of TopNurseCE.com, is a CA Board of Registered Nursing CE Provider #13886. In this course, we will discuss implicit bias.  It will take the average learner 1 hour to complete.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider in considering diagnosis and treatment options for a particular patient’s medical condition. Copyright © 2024: All rights reserved. No part of the materials may be reproduced without the express written consent of TopNurseCE.com Professional Educational Institution. The content of this course is intended to provide general information on the topics covered. This information has been prepared by experts with practical experience in the subject matter. This should not be considered medical, legal or professional advice. TopNurseCE.com recommends that individuals contact a licensed medical, legal or professional provider in their respective state. While TopNurseCE.com uses reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and current at the time of publication, TopNurseCE.com makes no representations as to its applicability to your particular situation. No guarantees are given and reliance on them does not constitute liability. Material. Testimonials are collected from feedback surveys submitted by customers. The model presented is for representation purposes and is not intended for actual customers.

Course Outline

Module 1 Introduction to Implicit Bias

1. Definition and Characteristics
2. Distinction from Explicit Bias
3. Overview of Implicit Association Tests (IATs)

Module 2.  Prevalence and Impact of Implicit Bias in Healthcare

1. Evidence from Research Studies
2. Effects on Patient Outcomes and Satisfaction
3. Contribution to Healthcare Disparities

Module 3 Understanding Your Own Implicit Bias

1. Reflective Exercises
2. Identifying Personal Biases
3. Recognizing Bias Triggers in Clinical Settings

Module 4  Strategies to Mitigate Implicit Bias

1. Cultivating Awareness and Mindfulness
2. Implementing Bias Interrupters
3. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare Teams

Module 5  Culturally Competent Care

1. Importance of Cultural Competence in Nursing Practice
2. Strategies for Providing Culturally Sensitive Care
3. Addressing Language and Communication Barriers

Module 6   Assessing and Addressing Implicit Bias in Healthcare Organizations

1. Developing Institutional Policies and Training Programs
2. Establishing Accountability Mechanisms
3. Creating Inclusive Work Environments

Module 7  Case Studies and Interactive Discussions

1. Real-life Scenarios Illustrating Implicit Bias in Nursing Practice
2. Group Reflection and Analysis
3. Sharing Best Practices and Lessons Learned

Module 8  Evaluation and Implementation of Interventions

1. Measuring the Effectiveness of Bias Reduction Strategies
2. Incorporating Feedback and Continuous Improvement
3. Integration into Nursing Practice and Clinical Decision-making

Module 9 Conclusion and Next Steps

1. Summary of Key Concepts
2. Commitment to Continued Learning and Growth
3. Resources for Further Education and Support

 

Learning Objectives:  Upon finishing the course, the learner will be proficient enough to confidently articulate and assess their knowledge and skills for the following at a rating of 4 out of 5 on the Likert Scale.

1. Define implicit bias and distinguish it from explicit bias.
2. Recognize the prevalence and impact of implicit bias in healthcare settings.
3. Identify strategies to assess and mitigate implicit bias in nursing practice.
4. Apply principles of cultural competence to promote equitable care for diverse patient populations.
5. Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing implicit bias in healthcare.