From Omission to Inclusion: The Power of Representation in Shaping Equitable Care
Webinar Details
This webinar is hosted by AACN’s Faculty Leadership Network.
This webinar explores the critical role of representation in nursing education and clinical practice. Drawing from three interrelated research studies—(1) an image analysis of dark skin tone representation in nursing textbooks, (2) a directed qualitative content analysis of inclusivity and exclusivity in fundamental nursing textbooks, and (3) an unpublished dataset quantifying representation of images clinical conditions across widely used textbooks—this presentation examines how the normalization of whiteness and the exclusion of dark skin tones in educational resources contribute to health disparities. Participants will learn how these omissions hinder clinical assessment accuracy, perpetuate bias, and ultimately impact care delivery. Attendees will leave equipped with insight and strategies for transforming curriculum and practice.
Outcomes:
By the end of this session, viewers will be able to:
- Identify how the underrepresentation of dark skin tones and exclusive language in nursing textbooks contributes to clinical assessment bias and health inequities.
- Analyze the implications of inclusive and exclusive content in nursing education materials on learner preparation and patient outcomes.
- Apply research-informed strategies to enhance the representation of diverse populations in educational and clinical practice resources.
Note: Recording of the webinar will be available soon after the webinar airs. Visit AACN's On-Demand Webinars to watch.
Speakers
Eleonor Pusey-Reid, DNP, RN, MS, Med
Distinguished Teaching Associate Professor
School of Nursing
MGH Institute of Health Professions
Dr. Eleonor Pusey-Reid is a nationally and internationally recognized nurse educator, scholar, and advocate whose research has advanced equity in both clinical practice and nursing education. She is an Associate Professor at the MGH Institute of Health Professions and serves on the Board of Directors of the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP), where she champions national and global standards for equitable skin assessment practices. Her scholarship includes landmark studies on the representation of dark skin tones in nursing textbooks, including Examining Fundamental Nursing Textbooks for Inclusivity and Exclusivity Content. Her pioneering work on skin tone assessment has shaped national guidelines, driven institutional policy reform, and supported equity-centered faculty development. As a former nursing dean in Costa Rica, Dr. Pusey-Reid led regional workforce development initiatives across Latin America. She continues to lead with a deep commitment to inclusive education, health equity, and advocacy for historically underserved communities.
Pricing and CE Credit
This webinar is free to deans, faculty, staff and students from AACN member schools of nursing. All non-member audiences will be required to pay a $59 webinar fee.
Continuing Nursing Education
One nursing continuing professional development (NCPD) credit is associated with this webinar; attendees must be present for the entire webinar and complete the evaluation to receive a certificate of completion.
The American Association of Colleges of Nursing is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.