Duke School of Nursing Increases Health Care Equity Education with LEAHP Program
The Leading to Equitable Access to Health Professions (LEAHP) program prepares nursing students from diverse backgrounds for advanced practice nursing programs.
The Duke University School of Nursing Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (ODEI) welcomed five North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Nursing students this summer as part of a weeklong mentorship program. The students were Bachelor of Science in Nursing students, and the program is offered in partnership with Duke’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program and NCCU.
The students comprised the second cohort of Leading to Equitable Access to Health Professions (LEAHP), a program which prepares nursing students for advanced practice nursing programs through working with Duke faculty, staff and students and training for graduate school.
It also includes activities that emphasize the importance of health equity, especially for students of color, while instilling self-confidence in the students’ current nursing abilities.
“I was really just excited to see the effort to include diversity in the school and in the leadership program,” Sivi Detweiler, a cohort member, said. “It was great to see they were really supportive of diversity, and for that to be present instead of absent in the world of nursing is amazing.”
LEAHP allows nursing students from diverse backgrounds to share their viewpoints in hopes of applying this information to the future of nursing.
“It is an opportunity for the School of Nursing to answer the call for antiracist education and to cultivate a culture that results in all students feeling a sense of belonging,” said Ragan Johnson, DNP, MSN, APRN-BC, associate professor and LEAHP project director.
Johnson emphasizes a special focus on advanced health equity concepts, acknowledging that diversity, equity, and inclusion in LEAHP helps create change for the future of nursing.
“LEAHP aims to increase the diversity of advanced practice nurses, which has been linked to improved health care outcomes for patients of color,” she said. “We offer students knowledge, awareness, and mentorship to help propel them to create change in the health care system.”
The program continues to provide mentorship after the week-long immersion ends. LEAHP program mentors remain in contact with the cohort, offering guidance and support as students plan to enroll in graduate school. LEAHP scholars also stay connected to Duke nursing students through peer mentorship.
After completing the program, Detweiler feels prepared and confident in applying to several graduate schools.
“More programs like this would be great. Even virtual sessions would be beneficial to students like myself entering the graduate program,” she said. “LEAHP is about opening the door in the nursing industry for minority leadership, and in return opening doors to our communities in the acts of care.”
For more information, visit the LEAHP website.
Meet the Cohort
Adaya Ford is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina. She is a rising senior at North Carolina Central University. Adaya is interested in helping women have safe and healthy birth experiences. She chose to participate in LEAHP to increase her perspective of advanced practice nursing and overcome any barriers that might prevent her from receiving a master’s degree. She intends to use this program to build capacity for gaining mentors as well as personal and professional development skills. During the program, Adaya was exposed to various types of advanced practice nursing that she was not familiar with and gained more insight for choosing an advanced practice specialty. She is honored to be a LEAHP scholar.
Taylor-Ann Blackwell is a rising senior in North Carolina Central University’s accelerated BSN program. She is a native of Haw River, North Carolina. Taylor-Ann recently graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in public health. Her goals in nursing, as well as participation in the LEAHP program, are to advocate for others while breaking through barriers, such as gaining knowledge in different cultural practices and beliefs to help reduce some of the current disparities experienced in health care. Her motto is: “Be the change that I want to see in the world." Taylor-Ann chose to participate in LEAHP to learn how to navigate graduate school admissions process, interact with current MSN students from minoritized backgrounds, and gain mentors. She aspires to be a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner.
Sivi Detweiler was born in France and currently resides in Cary, North Carolina. She holds a master’s degree in global/public health and health management and is currently enrolled in North Carolina Central University’s accelerated BSN program. Sivi’s broad experience in case management of vulnerable populations led her to pursue nursing. She aims to impact care from a provider and leadership role. Sivi participated in LEAHP to gain professional development strategies to increase her chances of reaching her goals. She plans to complete a nursing leadership program.
Diamonique Henderson is from Prince George’s County, Maryland. As a rising senior at North Carolina Central University, Diamonique’s interests are in the care of vulnerable mothers. She wants to ensure safe delivery experiences for mothers and babies. Diamonique participated in LEAHP to increase her confidence, gain mentorship, and participate in activities that solidify her choice in future career.
Ann-Louise Hopkins is a native of Clayton, North Carolina, currently residing in Garner, and is a rising senior at North Carolina Central University. Ann-Louise has been a licensed practical nurse for eight years. She decided to pursue a BSN so that she could further impact care for vulnerable populations. She wants to increase access and improve health outcomes for communities of color, while expanding nursing workforce diversity. Ann-Louise participated in LEAHP to increase her self-confidence as well as understanding of advanced practice nursing and assist her with career decision making. After completing the immersion program, Ann-Louise wants to pursue an acute care NP role and be a champion for facilitating transitions of care. She is excited to be a LEAHP scholar.