Black nursing students and affirmative action/equal opportunity policies.

Affirmative action/equal opportunity policies have been around for some time; time enough for everyone concerned to take full advantage of the benefits provided by these policies. Some of America's successful Black scholars and health professionals who are the recipients of such good fortune brought about by these policies have made significant contributions toward the health and education of the nation and there is a need to continue the trend. The Black nursing student today must seize every opportunity; whether through Affirmative Action or otherwise to carry on the tradition of excellence among Black professionals. In spite of government mandates to enforce affirmative action and equal opportunity policies, the representation of Black nursing students in schools of nursing remains small. There seems to be some formidable barriers in the way, preventing these students from entering, remaining and graduating from nursing school. Deans and directors of nursing programs in Historically Black Universities and Colleges (HBCUs) are being called upon to assist Black nursing students to overcome these barriers and become successful nurses by utilizing Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies.