The Biden-Harris Transition recently announced the members of the newly formed Transition COVID-19 Advisory Board.  The team is comprised of leading public health experts who will assist the President-elect and Vice President-elect in handling the coronavirus pandemic.  It is a wonderfully diverse and highly qualified group including scientists, physicians, epidemiologists, clinical professors, and researchers.

Notably absent from this group, is representation from those who comprise the largest population of the healthcare workforce – nurses.  Deemed largely by society as the heroes of the coronavirus pandemic and the most trusted profession for 18 years in a row, it is surprising that there were no nurses selected to be part of the advisory board.  This is perhaps an oversight, as the newly elected leadership team appears to be one that appreciates that rebuilding from our current state as a nation including battling a pandemic and racial injustice, will require actions that challenge the historical exclusion of valuable members of our country. 

Therefore, to change this narrative to one that is progressively inclusive, nurses should undoubtedly have a seat at this proverbial table. Nursing is a profession that boasts its own body of knowledge and practices that are scientifically grounded in research. The profession is represented by over 4 million individuals in the United States, many of whom have earned advanced degrees reaching the doctoral level.  These persons have made significant contributions to healthcare and related fields and are certainly qualified for such an appointment. 

Nurses are particularly adept and well suited for addressing complex patient care and community health issues, as it is part of the very fiber of their training and preparation.  Most importantly, it is nurses who spend the most time providing care at the bedside, which can provide invaluable insight.   Please sign this petition in support of the addition of at least one or more qualified nurses to this advisory board.

Signed,

Daihnia Dunkley, PhD, RN

Assistant Professor of Nursing- Farmingdale State College

Founder- The League of Extraordinary Black Nurses, Inc.

CEO- Daihnia's Joy, LLC.