Cultural Humility Addressing Racism and Microaggressions (CHARM) Nursing Virtual Simulation Experiences

Abstract

Nursing students who are Black or Persons of Colour (B/POC) often experience racism and microaggressions in academic and clinical settings. Over time these repeated experiences contribute to feelings of anxiety, loss of self-confidence and burnout which may result in poor academic performance and declines in health and wellness. Nursing students and nurses may not possess strategies regarding how to respond to racism and microaggressions in the clinical setting. The Cultural Humility Addressing Racism and Microaggressions (CHARM) Nursing project consists of a series of virtual simulation experiences designed to help nursing students and nurses who are Black or Persons of Colour (B/POC) to respond to racism and microaggressions in the clinical setting. These virtual simulation experiences: (1) reflect the lived experiences of B/POC nursing students and nurses; (2) illustrate how to use a variety of models, frameworks, or strategic responses; and (3) provide opportunities for self-reflection about personal responses to racism and microaggressions and strategies for self-care. Additionally, the CHARM Nursing virtual simulation experiences may benefit non-B/POC nurses, nursing students and nursing instructors by exposing them to the lived experiences of their B/POC colleagues and providing strategies for bystanders who witness racism and microaggressions in clinical settings. Currently there are five virtual simulations available in English and three available in French.