Nancy Boykin
Retreat Doctors' Hospital CNO removes barriers with Black Colleague Network.
The Capital Division is launching a series of Colleague Networks as part of HCA Healthcare’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative. They are a critical piece of fostering a culture of inclusion and providing a platform for colleagues to discuss issues of importance and convene around shared experiences. Retreat Doctors’ Hospital’s CNO, Nancy Boykin, was chosen as the executive champion, accompanied by Henrico Doctors’ Hospital’s Dr. Yvette Dorsey.
“The intention of the network is to give everyone a voice and to have the conversations that are very meaningful,” Boykin said. “And I’m going to think about how, as an executive, I can assist in eliminating some of the barriers that [people] have.”
There are four pillars — community, professional development, recruiting, and innovation — that will offer colleagues an opportunity to leverage their voices, experiences, and skills to drive meaningful change. It is HCA Healthcare CEO Sam Hazen’s vision to bring more people of color into higher positions, Boykin said.
“When you talk about something like Black History Month, you hear the stories around racism and slavery, but I think you don’t hear as many stories about black achievements,” she said. “How do you stop, reset, and think, ‘How can we as a Black Colleague Network bring more stories to the forefront? How do we use our platform to give a voice to high achievers?'
“We have a long way to go, but let’s keep the spark going,” she said.
Colleague Networks are open to all HCA Healthcare colleagues, which means allies are encouraged to join as well. Want to be a part of the Black Colleague Network?