163 Racism in nursing - experiences of nurses in Norway

Abstract EP3.1, e-Poster Terminal 3, September 3, 2025, 10:35 - 11:00 Aim Emerging evidence indicates that nurses experience racism at work in the Norwegian Health and Care Services. Nurses face racism from patients and their relatives, but also from colleagues and managers. These experiences can lead to anxiety, depression, disempowerment and thoughts of leaving the profession. The aim of this project was to provide a safe space where nurses could share their experiences, receive support, validation, and discuss the challenges and possible solutions to workplace discrimination and racism in nursing. Method 15 nurses of migrant origins were invited to join a resource group, organized by the Norwegian Nurses Association (NSF). Four meetings were held by the project team with expertise in the field of racism, discrimination and health. Results Participants reported that incidents of racism are downplayed and not taken seriously by managers, colleagues, teachers, fellow students in nursing schools, or HSE and union representatives. Spaces for discussion about racism are nonexistent and there are virtually no support mechanisms for nurses confronting racism. Challenges and possible solutions were identified in nursing education, “bedside” at work and at the organizational level in the health services and the NSF. Racism in nursing is not recognized as a workplace challenge and its effect on the health and wellbeing of nurses has been ignored. Knowledge and diversity competence are needed among managers and staff, but also routines and guidelines for handling incidents of racism must be put in place. Conclusions Racism in nursing is a common, but not recognized problem. It affects the health, belonging and job motivation for nurses with migrant backgrounds in Norway. This project gave valuable insight and ideas of the challenges and possible solutions to racism in nursing. New projects and initiatives already build on this knowledge in order to combat racism in nursing education and the health services in Norway.