By Victoria Ngo and Piri Ackerman-Barger
A documentary confronting structural racism has shed light on the issue of racism within the health care system, focusing specifically on its largest workforce — nurses. The film, “Everybody’s Work: Healing What Hurts Us All,” was shown at a community screening in Oak Park, Calif. on Aug. 22, 2024.
The U.S. has more than 4 million registered nurses and nearly one million licensed practical and vocational nurses. A 2023 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) survey revealed that nearly 80% of nurses have witnessed or experienced racism in their workplaces or schools.
The film showcased UC Davis alumni and focused on the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing at UC Davis and UC Davis Health, chosen amongst the nation’s nursing schools for their leadership in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in nursing education and practice. It also highlighted the detrimental impact of racism on both patients and nurses. Funded by RWJF, one of the nation’s wealthiest health care philanthropies, the documentary aimed to raise awareness and promote change.
In the documentary, Jann Murray-García, a physician and social justice advocate, discussed the persistent narratives, or 'scripts,' that reinforce bias in education and healthcare. Alongside nurses, students, alumni and faculty, she highlighted ongoing efforts to dismantle barriers to health equity and address racial bias. Murray-García shared, “It was an honor to have our vanguard School of Nursing and health system highlighted for the unique educational approaches we have honed to prepare nurses who embrace equity leadership within their health care institutions and in the community.”
The nurses featured in “Everybody’s Work” shared insights into what it will take — and who it will take — to create lasting change. “Nurses work on the frontlines in combating the daily inequities of care delivery,” said Piri Ackerman-Barger, associate dean for Student Affairs and Health Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, who was the screening emcee for the evening.
Two of the alumni featured in the film, Tonja Copeland and Aron King, were attracted to UC Davis because of its dedication to diversity. Their unique perspectives in the documentary served as an inspiration for those pursuing careers in health care.
Community awards were given during the evening. One of the award recipients was Georgia West, affectionately known as Mother Rose, a name given by her son, former Mayor Kevin Johnson. A pillar of the community and longtime manager of Underground Books, otherwise known as the "literary hub of Oak Park." Another awardee that evening was Genoa Barrow, a local reporter in Sacramento focused on health in the community.
“It is people in the community, like Genoa, who help institutions like UC Davis accomplish its goals to improve our region’s well-being, by keeping community members informed of the health system’s scientific, educational and service activities,” said Murray-Garcia, who presented the awards.
The film challenged viewers to think beyond individual experiences of racism, urging them to recognize how systemic racism prevents everyone from benefiting fully from the talents of others.
“Everybody’s Work” is the second documentary produced by SHIFT Nursing, an online platform for nurses that began as a podcast in 2020.
Local community organizations that partnered with the School of Nursing to improve health equity in the nursing profession included Capitol City Black Nurses Association, Hmong Nurses Association, Inc., Sacramento NAHN and the Philippine Nurses Association of Northern California, Inc.
