NR 500 Week 3 Addressing Bias

Name

Chamberlain University

NR-500: Foundational Concepts & Applications

Prof. Name

Date

Introduction

Bias, in the context of education and nursing, refers to a predisposition or stereotyping that affects one’s attitude or actions toward an individual or group. Within a classroom or clinical setting, nurse educators may experience or exhibit biases that influence the learning environment and impact students’ performance. Sparks (2016) explains that when educators hold biases, they might become overly critical or adjust their expectations based on those biases. This can lead to either implicit or explicit bias. Implicit bias in nurse educators is often unconscious, affecting their behavior unknowingly. In contrast, explicit bias is a conscious prejudice. Both forms can hinder the educator-student relationship and educational strategies, ultimately causing a disparity in students’ learning outcomes. This paper will explore the concept of bias, analyze personal biases related to gender in nursing education, and propose strategies to mitigate such biases and promote equality in the learning environment.

Discussion of Bias

Choosing a specialty in Nursing Education presents various challenges, including the potential for biases that can affect students. One prominent example is gender bias, which often affects male nursing students. Being in the minority, male nursing students frequently face stereotypes and biases from both peers and educators. Studies indicate that male students in nursing programs often feel isolated, are more likely to be placed in the spotlight, and may experience stricter treatment compared to female counterparts (Powers, Herron, Sheeler, & Sain, 2018). Such biases and attitudes from educators can have a lasting negative impact on students, hindering their learning experience and reducing the opportunities available to them.

Personal Bias

In my professional experience as a nurse educator, I have noticed an explicit bias toward male nursing students. This bias stems from observations during preceptorship, where male nursing students often seem less engaged in certain patient care tasks, such as providing personal care or offering emotional support to patients facing difficult prognoses. This tendency has led me to harbor stereotypes about male nursing students’ level of compassion and engagement in these sensitive areas. Recognizing this bias is essential in order to address it and improve interactions with all students, fostering a more equitable educational environment.

NR 500 Week 3 Addressing Bias

Topic	Discussion	Personal Insight
Introduction	Bias can negatively impact the educational setting, influencing students’ learning and engagement.	Acknowledging the types of bias helps identify areas where personal improvement is needed, ensuring fair treatment of all students.
Discussion of Bias	Male nursing students often face gender-based bias, leading to isolation and differential treatment.	Gender bias in nursing education may discourage male students, highlighting the importance of fostering a supportive and equitable environment.
Personal Bias	Explicit bias in favor of female students, believing male students are less empathetic and hands-on.	Personal bias awareness is essential for fair judgment; reflecting on these biases can improve my approach to mentoring male nursing students.

Strategies to Reduce Bias

To counteract personal bias, one effective strategy is self-awareness. Practicing mindfulness and reflection on thoughts and reactions can help manage automatic judgments. For instance, by intentionally pausing to question why I may favor a female student over a male one, I can make conscious efforts to provide equal opportunities. Explicit biases, being known, are manageable, allowing for pre-planned, equitable actions. Avoiding stereotypes and treating each student as an individual is also crucial. Collaborating with male nurses who serve as mentors can offer insights into minimizing gender bias.

Self-Reflection

Reflecting on this assessment has highlighted areas for growth, particularly regarding interactions with male nursing students. I have become more conscious of how my thoughts and actions could impact students, especially those who represent a minority in the field. To foster an inclusive learning environment, I am committed to practicing fairness and impartiality, seeking opportunities for professional development, such as attending workshops focused on diversity and inclusivity. Collaborating with male nurse mentors can also provide valuable role models for students. Recognizing and actively working to diminish personal biases is essential for creating an equitable and supportive educational experience.

References

Powers, K., Herron, E. K., Sheeler, C., & Sain, A. (2018). The Lived Experience of Being a Male Nursing Student: Implications for Student Retention and Success. Journal of Professional Nursing, 34(6), 475–482. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.profnurs.2018.04.002

NR 500 Week 3 Addressing Bias

Sparks, S. D. (2016). Classroom Biases Hinder Students’ Learning. Education Digest, 81(6), 16.