What is Black Nurses Ottawa?
Black Nurses Ottawa (BNO) is an organization created to foster communication, collaboration, and dialogue among Black nurses in Ottawa. It addresses the specific health care needs of the Black community while also working to bridge gaps in representation, understanding, and advocacy within the healthcare sector. Since its formation, BNO has served as a crucial platform that emphasizes networking, mentorship, employment opportunities, support, knowledge sharing, and professional growth for Black nurses in the Ottawa region.
Established in Ottawa, Canada, BNO was initially envisioned as a space where Black nurses could connect, share experiences, and support each other in navigating the healthcare profession, which often comes with unique challenges and barriers. Recognizing these obstacles, BNO also seeks to enhance the visibility of Black healthcare professionals, promote equity, and address systemic issues within the healthcare system that affect both practitioners and patients.