RCC Instructor celebrates Black History of Nurses
An instructor at Robeson Community College celebrated Black History Month in a unique way. Lylia Nichols, who teaches nursing, set out to showcase some of the accomplishments of African American nurses and healthcare professionals.
Lylia Nichols
“To commemorate the month, I decorated my office door with elements of black history to remind my students of the impact that black culture and contributions have had on the nursing profession,” Nichols said. “I believe that it is essential for nursing students to recognize and appreciate the diversity and cultural richness of the patients they will care for.”
On her door, she made a poster with the headline “I’m every woman!” which featured a caricature depiction of herself along with photos of several prominent nurses throughout American History. The door features seven female black nurses who helped pave the way for other minority women to enter into the healthcare profession, making it also a great piece to start a conversation for Women’s History Month.
Sojourner Truth, Brig Gen. Hazel Johnson Brown, Harriet Tubman, Mabel Keaton Staupers, Lillian Holland Harvey, Jessie Sleet Scales, Estelle Massey Osborne, all helped change history forever, leaving a beautiful mark on healthcare that can never be erased. These women gave their all to their patients and their careers, mostly behind the scenes without any kind of recognition.
“By highlighting the historical and contemporary contributions of black nurses and healthcare professionals, my hope is to inspire and motivate my students to become culturally competent healthcare providers,” stated Nichols.
Nichols says she was moved by the student response to the Black History Month design on her door, as they reflected on the significance of those that have come before them.
“As a new nursing faculty member here at RCC, it was deeply gratifying to witness the students’ enthusiasm and commitment to learning about the contributions of African Americans to the nursing profession,” Nichols said.
