Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Purpose and Definitions

The OADN Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee has developed a DEI purpose statement and definitions to guide the committee’s work. This statement and definitions inform the values set forth in OADN’s Strategic Direction and ensures that the organization upholds the values in all programs and activities.

Purpose of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Definitions

The Organization of Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) is invested in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the profession of nursing and in nursing education. The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) nurse is charged with threading diversity, equity, and inclusion in the professional practice. We believe the ADN nurse holds the key to making the future of nursing safe and equitable for all patient populations, nursing students, and educators of all backgrounds.

DEI	Definitions
Diversity	Diversity embodies all the ways that people are different. Diversity includes differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, national origin, immigration status, religion, values, political identity, functional ability, sexuality, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language and learning preferences, and career goals.
Equity	Equity is realized when all people, regardless of identity or background, have equal access to resources and opportunities in society. Health equity is attaining equal access to healthcare and equal health outcomes for all communities regardless of socioeconomic status. Achieving health equity requires recognizing that everyone does not start from the same place and providing services according to patients needs in order to achieve excellent health outcomes for all.
Inclusion	The act of inclusion is open engagement with patients, communities, nursing students, nurses, nurse leaders, nurse researchers, and nurse educators. The inclusive environment includes providing an opportunity to foster a sense of belonging, through purposeful engagement, by welcoming, respecting, and valuing diverse individuals and groups.

OADN Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee – June 2022
Committee Chair: Lorrie R. Davis-Dick, DNP, PMH-BC
Committee Members:
Scott Ollerman, RN, MSN/MHA, CDP
Raelene Brooks, PhD, RN
Jayson Valerio, DNP, RN
Patricia Nabal, DNP, FNP, RN-BC
Emily Boundaoné, MSN RN CCRN CHPN
Angelica Millan, DNP, RN, NP, CNS, FAAN
Antwinett Lee, EdD, MSN-CNS, RN
Justin Fontenot, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
Christina Lattner, DNP Ed, APRN, AGNP-C, ANP-BC
Grace Norris, MSN, EdD (2022)
Nina Almasy DNP, RN, CNE
Rhiannon Sullivan, PhD, MHA, RN
Sue Simpson, MSN, RN, CNE
Kishori Kelsey, MSN-Education