The continuing quest for parity: HBCU nursing students' perspectives on nursing and nursing education

• The number of non-African American students attending HBCUs is increasing.
• Global strategies to increase workforce diversity should include parity and civility.
• Mentoring is essential to improving workforce diversity.

The benefits of a diverse nursing workforce are well-recognized, yet, the attainment of a sustainable, competent and diverse nursing workforce continues to be a global challenge. In this qualitative study, we describe nursing students' perceptions on nursing and nursing education at a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). Focus groups were conducted with 16 graduate and undergraduate nursing students. Four themes emerged: communication, lack of resources, support systems and professional socialization. Mentoring and civility were identified as factors important to enhance a diverse workforce.