There is a scarcity of nursing literature, studies, and educational materials on the assessment and early recognition of both common and serious integumentary and general health issues in people with dark skin tones. Nurses must be exposed to such learning resources to be adequately prepared to care for patients with diverse skin tones and to help reduce health disparities and promote health equity. This article provides faculty, nursing students, and clinicians with basic information about the assessment of dark skin tone and calls for action in academia and professional practice to ensure nurses and nursing students can effectively perform skin assessments in all patients.

Background Despite increasing minority enrollment in nursing programs, student attrition remains a persistent problem. Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of a diverse group of black alumni at a predominantly white institution in the United States. Method In this qualitative descriptive study, researchers conducted focus group interviews with 16 recent graduates of accelerated baccalaureate and direct-entry nurse practitioner programs. Results Four themes emerged as barriers to success: burden of exclusion and isolation, lack of diversity among students and faculty, struggling to find mentors, and cultural assumptions. Five themes captured the strategies alumni adopted to succeed: strength in numbers, helpful mentors, resilience, faith, and self-silencing. Conclusion Participants experienced challenges but successfully navigated the program until they graduated. The study findings lay the groundwork for the development of programs that foster success for all students.