Last week Sharon Goldfarb and Vanessa Kerr sat down with nursing trailblazer Dr. Ernest Grant for a conversation about Black men in nursing and his experiences. Below is a summary of that interview.
What inspired you to pursue a career in nursing, and what motivated you to become a leader in the field?
Dr. Ernest Grant: I like to tell people that nursing found me—I didn’t find nursing. In high school, my dream was to become an anesthesiologist and drive a lime-green 1968 Mercury Cougar. But coming from a very poor family, the youngest of seven kids, and having lost my father at five years old, we didn’t have the money for college or medical school.
My high school guidance counselor suggested I look into becoming a nurse anesthetist and recommended starting with a one-year Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program to see if I liked it. About three months into the program, I realized nursing was my calling. I loved making a difference in people’s lives, and that’s where my advocacy and leadership journey began—helping patients understand their care and ensuring they had a voice in their treatment.
What are your major goals for the nursing profession?
Dr. Ernest Grant: First, I want nurses to be able to bill for the services we provide, especially in acute care settings. Right now, our work is lumped under room and board, while other professionals—like physicians and physical therapists—can bill for their services. Nurses have just as much training and education, and we deserve the same recognition.
Second, I’m passionate about increasing diversity in nursing. The profession should reflect the people we care for. We need more men and ethnic minorities in nursing to build trust and improve care outcomes.
What steps are you taking to achieve these goals, and how can others join the effort?
Dr. Ernest Grant: One initiative I started as president of the ANA was partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of America. I encouraged local chapters to invite nurses—especially male nurses and nurses of color—to engage with young kids. Seeing someone like me, a 6’6” man, can inspire kids to think, “If he can be a nurse, why can’t I?”
Another effort involves working with a professional nursing group that adopted a third-grade class in Durham. We tutor students in reading and math and provide essentials like winter coats and school supplies. It’s about making an impression early—by middle or high school, it’s often too late to spark interest in nursing.
Lastly, I emphasize modeling behavior. Growing up, I admired the Black LPNs in my church who cared for shut-ins in our community. That experience showed me what nursing is truly about—caring for others.
What are your thoughts on hospital pay structures and representation?
Dr. Ernest Grant: Nurses need to be paid what they’re worth. It’s disheartening to see how undervalued we are, especially when some nurses barely make above minimum wage. We’re saving lives, yet our contributions aren’t recognized financially.
We also need better representation in decision-making spaces like the C-suite. If nurses are there, they need to communicate their advocacy efforts so others can join and support them. Some trials across the country have allowed nurses to bill for their services, and it hasn’t hurt hospitals’ bottom lines. The challenge is that decisions about nurses are often made by people who aren’t nurses themselves.
What advice would you give to young Black men considering a career in nursing?
Dr. Ernest Grant: Go for it. I’ve never regretted going into the nursing profession. Speak up if you’re struggling, and don’t hesitate to ask for help—there’s no shame in it. Become an active member of your nursing organization. It’s one thing to become a nurse, but it’s another to actively contribute to the profession and help those who come behind you.
How can educational institutions and healthcare organizations recruit and retain more Black men in nursing?
Dr. Ernest Grant: When I was president of ANA, I encouraged deans and directors to consider this: if someone walks into your program and doesn’t see anyone who looks like them, the message is that they’re not welcome. Recruit staff and faculty who reflect the diversity you want in your student body.
Myself and four other Black male leaders also formed the Network of Black Male Leaders. The idea is brother-to-brother support—we host speakers and have open discussions to help others blaze the trail. I live strongly by the proverb: “To whom much is given, much is required.”
What are the key elements of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for underrepresented groups in nursing?
Dr. Ernest Grant: Start with active listening. Too often, assumptions are made based on stereotypes or biases, which can lead to poor outcomes. Healthcare providers need to take the time to understand the person in front of them—their experiences, pain, and needs.
Education is also crucial. Continuously learn about cultural competencies and understand how social determinants of health impact different communities. Representation matters too—when patients see healthcare providers who look like them, it fosters trust.
What has been the most rewarding role in your career?
Dr. Ernest Grant: Serving as president of a national organization during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was incredibly impactful. It was a time of uncertainty and fear, and I had the opportunity to be a voice of reassurance and advocacy.
I participated in vaccine trials and shared my experience to address hesitancy within the healthcare community, particularly among ethnic minority populations. Whether at the bedside, in administration, or as an advocate, I end each day asking, “Did I make a difference today?” Most of the time, the answer is yes. Making a difference is what drives me.
What final message would you like to leave with nursing leaders?
Dr. Ernest Grant: Remember, we’re part of the communities we serve. Advocating for cleaner air, safer water, or better resources isn’t just about our patients—it’s about our families and ourselves, too. Modeling care, whether it’s at a patient’s bedside or a community meeting, is how we lead and inspire the next generation of nurses.
