Learning Objective #1: Identify issues affecting the professional experiences of African-Canadian nurses

Learning Objective #2: Describe how black nurses deal with their worklife issues

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Under-representation of Black people affects many professions, especially in the health field. Although, there are no published Canadian data on Canadian nurses' population by race and ethnicity, anecdotal evidence suggests marginal representation of African Canadians in the health professions, including nursing, especially in Nova Scotia. Under-representation of minority groups, such as Black people, in the health professions may lead to lack of cultural understanding and inappropriate health care for minority people. The purpose of this study was to explore the work life experiences of Black nurses in a Canadian province. Grounded theory research approach was used to generate a theory about their experiences of Nursing While Black. This paper describes the theory of “surviving on the margins of a profession” that emerged from indepth interviews of twenty Black nurses. The major categories and various phases of this theory will be presented including the process of marginalization and survival as well as the critical points of this Basic Social Process. The paper will conclude with the strategies that Black nurses are using to survive in spite of marginalizing forces such as racism. Implications of this theory for nursing, and for general theory on race relations, marginalization, and health care in general will presented.