Nursing Chair Dr. Anna Valdez in anti-racism documentary
Dr. Anna Valdez, Chair of the Nursing Department, was selected to be included in “Everybody’s Work,” a documentary on nurses who are leading antiracism work, The film is being produced by SHIFT Nursing with funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).
The filmmakers identified 28 nurses nationally known for their practices addressing antiracism, and sent their names to RWJF. From that group, Valdez was chosen to be among the nurses featured in the film.
“I’m honored and excited to have been selected as one of just a dozen participants from across the US.” Valdez said. “It’s especially meaningful to me because many of those nurses are people I admire.”
Valdez served on the inaugural National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing and is now serving as an independent commissioner. She has presented nationally on emergency nursing, antiracism, bias, environmental justice, health equity, and DEI.
SHIFT’s first documentary, “Who Cares: A Nurse’s Fight for Equity” addressed inequities in the health care system from the perspective of one nurse. “Everybody’s Work” looks more broadly at systemic racism and its effects on the nursing profession, from barriers to entry to on-the-job disparities and challenges.
A trailer for Everybody’s Work is available on SHIFT’s YouTube channel. The film will premiere at the Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C. on May 10.