About Equity Catalysts
Mary Pat Aust, MS, RN, CDE
My Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Story
My name is Mary Pat Aust. Over the span of 42 years, I have dedicated my life to the compassionate care of critically ill patients and their families, while also focusing on mentoring and educating fellow nurses. This journey led me into the realm of equity, diversity, and inclusion. The early years of my nursing career were spent in Indian Health Services hospitals in New Mexico and Arizona, where my time on Navajo lands left a lasting impact. As a privileged white woman, I confronted stark disparities, witnessing firsthand the lack of basic necessities like running water and electricity for some Americans. The contrast in treatment based on skin color was apparent, requiring me to embrace openness, curiosity, and acceptance to foster trust and build relationships with my Navajo colleagues and patients. The time spent immersed in the care and culture of various indigenous communities has served as a pivotal force in advocating for inclusive policies and practices that honor diverse backgrounds. Moreover, my personal struggle with weight persisted throughout much of my life, culminating in reaching 425 pounds in my early 40s. I carried the burden of societal judgment, seeing in others' eyes the same disdain and self-loathing I harbored within. Words like "slob," "disgusting," and "fat cow" echoed around me, highlighting the challenges of shopping for clothes or fitting in an airplane seat. Through these adversities, I cultivated a deep well of compassion and empathy, recognizing that despite our varied visible and invisible differences, each of us holds a unique perspective essential to the fabric of our shared humanity. These personal ordeals have ignited my fervor for pinpointing and dismantling systemic obstacles that hinder active engagement and inclusivity.
My Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Expertise
When I transitioned from the clinical setting to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), my perspective on critical care nursing broadened significantly. Working across a spectrum of healthcare institutions, from well-funded health systems to remote critical access hospitals, illuminated the disparities present in healthcare settings. The AACN's commitment to the Standards for Establishing and Sustaining Healthy Work Environments: A Journey to Excellence (HWE) underscored the importance of cultivating a supportive workplace atmosphere. Further delving into equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) reinforced the necessity of these values for fostering a truly healthy work environment. In 2016, the AACN Board of Directors embarked on a focused exploration of diversity and inclusion, recognizing the diverse needs and perspectives of internal team members and association members alike. Subsequently, in 2017, I initiated AACN's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives targeting both these integral groups. Internal Team •Conducted an EDI assessment to gauge team members' understanding and perceptions of equity, diversity, and inclusion. •Orchestrated comprehensive EDI educational programs for board members and team members tailored to their specific learning requirements. •Engaged with senior leadership and board leaders to secure backing for embedding EDI principles organization wide. •Collaborated with the EDI Steering Committee to construct a strategic plan addressing inequitable policies, practices, and programs. •Established an all-encompassing platform for team members to identify and prioritize systemic inequities. •Instituted an inclusive process for applying an equity-driven approach to rectifying departmental inequities. •Conducted workshops to delineate EDI-focused pillars guiding the organization's EDI endeavors. •Teamed up with internal and external parties to devise an interactive EDI onboarding curriculum for all team members. •Researched, formulated, and delivered innovative resources and tools crucial for advancing organizational EDI efforts. AACN Membership •Pioneered the initial equity, diversity, and inclusion survey of over 4,500 acute and critical care nurses to discern disparities for diverse demographics and unearth areas necessitating attention. •Worked alongside volunteer groups and local chapters to integrate EDI principles into their activities. •Hosted listening sessions at the annual National Teaching Institute conference, fostering awareness and spotlighting concerns pertinent to acute and critical care nurses. •Initiated collaborative dialogues with various program managers to ensure an equitable approach in their undertakings.