Daihnia Dunkley, PhD, RN, a professor at Farmingdale State College, interviewed black chief nursing officers (CNOs) to learn about their experiences achieving and leading at the executive level. Although data was lacking on the number of black women serving as CNOs, research had shown minorities were underrepresented in hospital leadership. Dunkley wanted to shed light on the experiences of those who had succeeded. Her research found three common themes. Black women CNOs reported they felt pressure to pursue certifications and higher education, worried any mistakes would reflect on their communities and encountered sexism in executive culture. (HealthLeaders Media story, 6/19/20)
