Topics: Foundations of Cultural Competence; Addressing Health Disparities and Promoting Health Equity; Communication Across Cultures; Cultural Considerations in Patient Care; Leading Diverse Teams & Policy, Ethics, and Advocacy

Credits Offered: This event offers 4.5 CE credits to attendees.
Accreditation Info: Illinois Nurses Foundation is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the Montana Nurses Association, an accredited approver with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.

DEI Micro-Credential: Cultural Competence, Health Equity, and Advocacy in Nursing Practice

The DEI Micro-Credential in Cultural Competence, Health Equity, and Advocacy in Nursing Practice, developed by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, is designed to equip nurses with the knowledge, skills, and leadership strategies necessary to advance equitable and inclusive healthcare delivery.

This micro-credential focuses on integrating DEI principles into clinical practice by addressing systemic inequities, promoting culturally competent care, and strengthening advocacy for diverse and underserved populations. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how structural factors impact health outcomes and will develop practical approaches to reduce disparities within healthcare systems.

Through targeted modules, nurses will explore culturally responsive community engagement, apply equity-driven quality improvement strategies, and enhance their ability to lead and influence change within their organizations. This program reinforces the essential role of nurses in fostering inclusive environments that support dignity, respect, and improved outcomes for all patients.

Micro-Credential Objectives

Upon completion of this DEI micro-credential, participants will be able to:

• Apply Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles to nursing practice and patient care.
• Analyze how systemic inequities and structural factors contribute to health disparities.
• Recognize and address inequities within clinical and organizational settings.
• Deliver culturally competent and inclusive care that respects diverse patient backgrounds.
• Engage effectively with diverse communities to improve trust and health outcomes.
• Integrate equity focused approaches into quality improvement initiatives.
• Utilize data to identify disparities and support evidence-based interventions.
• Advocate for policies, practices, and systems that promote health equity and inclusion.
• Demonstrate leadership in advancing DEI initiatives within healthcare organizations.

Participants who complete this DEI micro-credential will demonstrate the ability to incorporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles into nursing practice, contribute to reducing health disparities, and advocate for equitable, culturally responsive, and patient-centered healthcare systems.

Modules:

May 27, 2026 from 6:00-7:30pm Central Time:

Module 1: Foundations of Cultural Competence presented by Debra Boyd-Seale PhD, RN

Module 2: Addressing Health Disparities and Promoting Health Equity presented by Ashley Whitlatch, DNP, MBA, FNP-C and Gloria Berrera, MSN, RN, PEL-CSN

June 25, 2026 from 6:00-7:30pm Central Time:

Module 3: Communication Across Cultures presented by Tresca Wilson with the assistance of Laura Larkin, MSN, APRN, CNS (Not Presenting)

Module 4: Cultural Considerations in Patient Care presented by Paige Ricca DNP, MS, MBA

July 29, 2026 from 6:00-7:30pm Central Time:

Module 5:  Leading Diverse Teams presented Lolade Mitchell, MS, MSN, MPH, RN, CPHRM and Amanda Hopkins PhD, RN

Module 6: Policy, Ethics, and Advocacy by Ashley Whitlatch, DNP, MBA, FNP-C, Gloria Berrera, MSN, RN, PEL-CSN, and Sam Davis, DNP, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, CNOR

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER TODAY.