Black Nurses Association increasing exposure via education, outreach

Saturday, Jan. 29, 2000 | 9:38 a.m.

Not everyone knows that Friday is Black Nurses Day. Nor do many people know there is a black nurses' association in the Las Vegas Valley, which is something the association would like to change.

The group, formed five years ago, provides scholarships and mentors to local nurse students; and health information to the black community. It strives to increase the number of black nurses in the nursing profession and to promote their professional development through scholarships. Recently it awarded two $1,000 scholarships and two $200 grants to pay for books.

But while the National Black Nurses Association represents more than 100,000 nurses in the country, the Southern Nevada group has only 16 active members. Representatives are hoping that number will change.

Members plan to recruit a few future nursing students this spring when they visit elementary, middle schools and high schools in the black community. "We're going to show them that this is a career that has a lot to offer," said Donnetta Kyle, the group's president and trauma nurse at University Medical Center. "It's not just about working in a hospital."

Kyle said there are only about 10 black people in the valley who are registered as nursing students. Yet the number of students registered in the nursing program at UNLV exceeds 40 people and there are roughly 175 students in the program at the Community College of Southern Nevada. "It has a lot to do with financial needs and a lot to do with competition," Kyle said.

Those who do choose to study for a career in nursing will have the help of mentors. "Whatever it takes to get through that program, because it is very competitive," Kyle said.

Kyle says she'd like to see the group move into the community more. "I would like for people to know that we're available if they need us. Many people have not heard of the Black Nurses Association."

One way of spreading the group's mission is through its main fund-raiser, the upcoming Bachelor Auction and Dance, where single men are auctioned off to the ladies who attend the event.

"It seems to be a popular way to get the word out," Kyle said. And raise money. At the last auction women paid anywhere from $50 to $300 for a date with one of the eligible bachelors.

"Everybody sells, believe it or not," she added. "The firefighters seem to go over pretty well."

Last year 27 men were auctioned. The group is hoping this year's event will raise enough funds for another $1,000 grant. The event will be held Feb. 12 at the Clark County Government Center, 500 Grand Central Parkway.

Aside from its auction, the group tries to bring its message to the community by attending health fairs and offering presentations at schools.

On a national level, the Black Nurses Association researches and determines health care needs of blacks and works to increase the availability of health care to blacks and other minorities.

Locally, the group tries to increase health awareness and address nutritional needs, said Debra Toney, a registered nurse who is the founder of the local chapter.

There are health problems that are prevalent in certain ethnic groups, such as hypertension and dietary needs, she added.

Toney said she received mentoring from the nurses' association when she was in nursing school at Oklahoma University. She was one of three black students in a class of 150.

Toney said the group is working through trial and error. The group meets the second Saturday of each month at the West Las Vegas Library.

And the group is not just about providing black nurses to black patients, she said. Anyone can be a member. Educating other medical staff about people with diverse backgrounds, however, is essential. "That's the role the association plays," Toney said.

Knowing about cultural aspects, such as something as little as hair care, is important, she said. "People who don't understand or who don't have contact with the black community might need some help."

Kyle agreed. "There are a lot of cultural differences among patients (and staff) in hospitals," Kyle said. For example, non-black nurses don't always know how to determine if a dark-skinned patient is pale.

The group's outreach programs may grow a lot sooner than its membership, however. "There are not a lot of black nurses in the valley," Kyle said.

Black Nurses Day is celebrated the first Friday in February, in conjunction with Black History Month.

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