Lauren, DNP, MSN-Ed RN, has devoted the last 16 years of her professional life to advocacy, education, and nursing, particularly on rare diseases and reducing health disparities. She has worked with esteemed business leaders and researchers to establish groundbreaking precision medicine initiatives within the African American community. She had the honor of serving as president for two terms of the Southern Nevada Black Nurses Association, a chapter of the National Black Nurses Association.
Lauren had the privilege of being designated a Leadership Fellow by the Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Consortium for Health Equity and Researcher Diversity (AIM-AHEAD) from September 2022 to June 2023. The primary objective of this NIH-initiated program is to increase the representation and involvement of underrepresented communities and researchers in the field of artificial intelligence/machine learning. The primary objective is to utilize electronic health records (EHR) and various other forms of data to mitigate health disparities and inequities.
Her professional focus has consistently been on reconciling divides, specifically within the domain of bedside predictive technologies. She has actively participated in educating and assisting clinical nurses in implementing these technologies. As an assignment for the AIM-AHEAD program, she was tasked with educating nurses of African descent regarding the expansion, hazards, and advantages of AI/ML in the healthcare industry. Lauren created a 15-minute educational module utilizing a generative learning platform to tackle the issue of inadequate digital and technological literacy among nurses, focusing on individuals of African descent.
FUTURE FOCUS
Nurses of African descent have a crucial role in promoting racial healing and transformation in healthcare, particularly in the context of technological advancements. Frontline caregivers have been recognized for their crucial role in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into patient care, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and the particular needs of patients. With a focus on digital literacy, the goal is to provide these nurses with the technical skills and ethical insights necessary for effective AI integration. Current and future projects include developing comprehensive education and practical training programs while building strategic alliances with technology professionals to promote AI-related digital literacy among nurses of African descent. By equipping these caregivers with AI skills, they can deliver compassionate, informed care while navigating the complexities of today’s AI-driven healthcare modalities.
