ABSTRACT

The LGBTQIA+ community makes up an estimated 17% of all undergraduate and graduate students in higher education. Members of this community face higher rates of suicidal ideation, depression, and harassment than their cisgender or heterosexual peers. Both higher education and the healthcare field struggle to address our LGBTQIA+ community, whether it is patients or staff. Despite this, members of the LGBTQIA+ community demonstrate resilience and, with the proper support, have higher rates of graduation than their peers. Simple efforts by the university, college, school, and faculty covered in this poster can lead to a dramatic improvement in retention and graduation of our LGBTQIA+ nursing students. A supportive campus environment and engaged faculty can also decrease the harassment and mental health disparities that LGBTQIA+ students experience. Historical and background information will be presented along with practical interventions for anyone working in nursing education or precepting students.