Enhancing Well-Being of Minority Nursing Staff Amid Discrimination

Discrimination’s Impact on Minority Nursing Staff’s Quality of Life

Discrimination has been identified as a significant factor adversely affecting the quality of life (QoL) of minority nursing staff, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Racial and ethnic minority nurses experience heightened levels of workplace discrimination, which can lead to job dissatisfaction, mental health issues, and high turnover rates (Chen et al., 2025). A study highlighted that 60% of minority nursing staff witnessed discrimination, with 28.3% reporting personal experiences of it (Chen et al., 2025). This prevalence of discrimination not only hampers their professional lives but significantly impacts their emotional well-being and personal lives, leading to a decline in overall health.

The adverse effects of discrimination on QoL are compounded by the stressors introduced by the pandemic. Minority nurses have reported increased fear of contracting COVID-19 and heightened workplace racism, contributing to significant emotional distress (Chen et al., 2025). Furthermore, the psychological burden of witnessing discrimination against colleagues exacerbates feelings of vulnerability and anticipation of being targeted themselves (Chen et al., 2025).

Table 1 summarizes the association between witnessed discrimination and quality of life among racial/ethnic minority nursing staff.

Overall, addressing discrimination in healthcare settings is crucial to improving the QoL of minority nursing staff, necessitating both individual and institutional interventions to create a more inclusive work environment.

The Role of Resilience and Social Support in Healthcare

Resilience and social support have emerged as critical factors in promoting the well-being of minority nursing staff during challenging times. Resilience is defined as the ability to bounce back from adversity and manage stress effectively. In the context of healthcare, resilience can help mitigate the adverse effects of workplace discrimination and the stressors associated with high-pressure environments (Chen et al., 2025). A study found that higher levels of resilience among minority nursing staff were associated with better QoL, indicating that fostering resilience is essential in supporting these professionals (Chen et al., 2025).

Moreover, social support plays a vital role in enhancing mental health and overall well-being. Minority nursing staff who reported greater social support exhibited better coping strategies and a lower risk of burnout (Chen et al., 2025). This is particularly important in the nursing profession, where emotional labor is a significant component of daily responsibilities. Table 2 illustrates the relationship between resilience, social support, and quality of life.

The findings emphasize the necessity of implementing support systems that enhance resilience and social connections among minority nursing staff to foster a positive working environment and improve their QoL.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Influence on BMI Trajectories

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been shown to significantly influence body mass index (BMI) trajectories from adolescence to adulthood. Specifically, non-Hispanic Black females who experienced multiple ACEs were found to have steeper BMI trajectories compared to those who did not experience such adversities (Omisakin et al., 2025). This highlights a critical intersection between early life trauma and health outcomes, particularly in minority populations.

Table 3 summarizes the relationship between ACEs and BMI trajectories among different racial groups.

The study indicates that interventions aimed at addressing the impacts of ACEs can be instrumental in preventing unhealthy weight gain and obesity among vulnerable populations, particularly among non-Hispanic Black females, who are disproportionately affected by both ACEs and obesity (Omisakin et al., 2025).

Intersectionality in Medical Education: Challenges for Asian Women

Asian women in medical education face unique challenges shaped by the intersection of race, gender, and ethnicity. Research indicates that these students often encounter both overt and covert discrimination, which affects their educational experiences and career progression (Valli et al., 2025). The phenomenon of microaggressions—subtle, often unintentional discriminatory comments—can lead to feelings of alienation and self-doubt, negatively impacting academic performance (Valli et al., 2025).

Table 4 outlines the themes identified in a study focusing on the experiences of Asian women in medical schools.

The findings underscore the importance of creating supportive environments that acknowledge and address the unique challenges faced by Asian women in medical education. Institutions must take proactive steps to promote diversity and inclusion to enhance educational outcomes for these students (Valli et al., 2025).

Addressing Social Adversity to Prevent Violent Radicalization in Schools

Social adversity, including experiences of discrimination and victimization, has been linked to increased support for violent radicalization (VR) among adolescents. A study indicated that adolescents exposed to social adversity were more likely to support VR, particularly in unsafe school environments where feelings of injustice prevail (Miconi et al., 2025). The need for a supportive and democratic school climate is emphasized as a protective factor against VR.

Table 5 highlights the relationship between social adversity and support for VR.

The study’s findings suggest that creating safe and inclusive educational environments can mitigate the risks of VR among youth. Schools must prioritize fostering democratic spaces where students feel heard and valued to combat the negative impacts of social adversity (Miconi et al., 2025).

Conclusion

Addressing discrimination and its impact on minority nursing staff is essential for promoting their overall well-being and quality of life. Resilience and social support play vital roles in mitigating the adverse effects of discrimination, while adverse childhood experiences significantly influence health trajectories. Furthermore, the challenges faced by Asian women in medical education, along with the need to address social adversity to prevent violent radicalization, highlight the complexities of discrimination in healthcare and education. Institutions must implement targeted interventions and support systems to enhance the experiences of minority populations and create inclusive environments conducive to their success.

FAQ

What are the main types of discrimination faced by minority nursing staff?

Minority nursing staff often face racial discrimination, microaggressions, and unequal treatment compared to their white counterparts.

How can resilience impact the well-being of minority nursing staff?

Resilience helps minority nursing staff cope with stressors and adverse experiences, leading to improved mental health and quality of life.

What role does social support play in enhancing the experiences of minority nursing staff?

Social support provides emotional backing and resources that help minority nursing staff navigate workplace challenges and discrimination.

How do adverse childhood experiences affect body mass trajectories in minority populations?

Adverse childhood experiences are linked to higher BMI and steeper weight gain trajectories in adulthood, particularly in non-Hispanic Black women.

What solutions can be implemented to address discrimination in medical education?

Implementing diversity training, creating support networks, and fostering inclusive environments can help reduce discrimination and support minority students in medical education.

References

1. Chen, A. C.-C., Ou, L., Mansuri, S., Walsh, A., & Jung, C. M. (2025). Discrimination and Quality of Life During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: Experiences of Racial/Ethnic Minority Nursing Staff in the United States. International Nursing Review

2. Omisakin, O. A., Park, H., Schwartz, S. E., Noll, J. G., Buxton, O. M., Marquez‐Velarde, G., Lim, S., & Reither, E. N. (2025). Body mass trajectories from adolescence to adulthood in the United States: Effects of racial identification and adverse childhood experiences. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 35, e70025

3. Valli, A. D., Alberti, H., & Brown, M. (2025). Accounts of women from Asian ethnic backgrounds about their medical undergraduate experiences in the UK – an interpretative phenomenological study. BMC Medical Education. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07181-z

4. Miconi, D., Aigoin, M., Croguennec, F., Johnson‐Lafleur, J., & Rousseau, C. (2025). “It’s all about making room for young people”: A mixed‐method study on adolescents’ experiences of social adversity and support for violent radicalization in high schools. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 35, e70026