The Power to Use Privilege in Nursing
By Wrenetha Julion
Dr. Wrenetha Julion is a nurse, professor and department chairperson in nursing academia in Chicago.
The COVID-19 global pandemic rages on and U.S. deaths climb higher into the hundreds of thousands and I reflect upon my privilege as a Black nurse.
I am a descendant of chattel slavery, with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, dual Master degrees and a PhD. Many mentors and allies supported me on my journey. Primary among these supports has been family.
My mother died when I was 16 years old and health disparities and the burden of racism no-doubt contributed to her early demise. My mother’s 21-year-old baby sister stepped in as maternal surrogate for me and my 17-year-old sister while caring for her own young son. We took care of one another.
As a strong believer in the adage that you can’t be what you don’t see, I am visible in the battle against COVID vaccine-hesitancy and active in the pursuit of diversity in the white-female dominated nursing profession. Greater nursing diversity translates to greater trust by Black and Brown communities.
As a Black professor and Department Chairperson in a predominantly white College of Nursing, I am inspired and proud to support students and faculty of color who, persevere and flourish despite questions about their intelligence and competence. I am also purposefully involved in efforts to overcome vaccine hesitancy in communities of color. We must provide clear and factual information to answer questions and address concerns, while holding time for contemplation.
Hundreds of years of mistreatment cannot be overcome overnight. My Aunt is now 70 and my father is 87 and I am privileged to answer their questions so that they can make informed vaccine decisions. And I exercise my privilege and power as a Black nurse by leading through example while supporting my community and seeking to better my profession.
Wrenetha Julion is a Professor & Department Chairperson in nursing academia in Chicago. @wrenethajulion; https://www.facebook.com/wrenetha.julion.
““I exercise my privilege and power as a Black nurse by leading through example while supporting my community and seeking to better my profession.”—@wrenethajulion #PowerToChangeStories @takeleadwomen”