Black nurses have been instrumental in shaping healthcare, bringing resilience, cultural awareness, and leadership to the profession. Their contributions have not only advanced medical practices but also ensured compassionate and culturally competent care for diverse patient populations. In this blog, we spotlight two remarkable Black nurses, Simone Atkinson and Kimone Perry, whose journeys exemplify the pioneering spirit that continues to influence healthcare today.
Kimone’s Journey: Overcoming Adversity to Embrace Nursing 
Kimone’s path to nursing was fraught with challenges. Becoming a mother just before her senior year of high school, she faced societal stereotypes that predicted her failure. However, Kimone was determined to defy these expectations. Initially, nursing wasn’t her dream career; in fact, she resisted the idea for much of her life. Yet, through personal and professional experiences, she found inspiration in the healthcare workers around her. What once felt like “not my thing” gradually transformed into a deep passion for serving others. Now, she can’t imagine doing anything else—nursing is truly her calling.
Balancing full-time nursing school, a job, and motherhood, Kimone often had only an hour of sleep some nights. Her sacrifices were immense, but she held onto the belief that nothing worth having comes easy. Reflecting on her journey, she recalls a plaque she received in high school with the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “It really doesn’t matter with me now, I’ve been to the mountaintop.” Today, Kimone is proud to be an MHA, BSN-prepared Nurse Manager, a wife, and a mother of six beautiful children.
Simone’s Journey: A Commitment to Excellence and Lifelong Learning
Simone’s nursing journey began when she immigrated to the United States at 18. Attending the University of Miami, she graduated as the valedictorian of her nursing class. Growing up in a multicultural environment, issues of race or discrimination were not something she encountered in her early years. However, during her nursing career, she became aware that bias still existed in some areas of healthcare among the organization and the patient population.
Despite this, Simone remained focused on her commitment to excellence and patient care. Her nursing career began as a nurse resident in the Cardiovascular ICU at Mercy Hospital in Miami, an opportunity she believes she earned through her performance and a recommendation from her clinical instructor. With the encouragement of mentors, both Black and White nurse leaders who recognized her potential, Simone pursued higher education, earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Healthcare Administration and Finance in 1999 and later a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in 2005. Her commitment to lifelong learning led her to obtain multiple specialty certifications and, eventually, her Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2022.
Contributions of Black Nurses in Shaping Healthcare
Black nurses have been pivotal in advancing healthcare by advocating for underserved communities and
assuming leadership roles that promote culturally competent care. Their efforts have substantially contributed to reducing health disparities and improving patient outcomes. Kimone emphasizes, “Black nurses have played a crucial role in shaping healthcare through advocacy and leadership, bridging gaps in underserved communities, and addressing health disparities through social media and public outreach.”
Throughout her career, Simone has seen the impact of strong Black nurse leaders and mentors, including those who guided her. Their encouragement was instrumental in her growth, and she has carried that forward by mentoring younger nurses, especially those who may not always recognize their full potential. In leadership roles, Simone has worked on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and advocacy committees, ensuring that hiring practices, leadership development, and policies reflect the true merit and talent of all nurses, regardless of race or background.
Incorporating Cultural Understanding into Nursing Practice
Trust is fundamental to improving patient outcomes, and it begins with active listening—taking the time to understand patients’ cultural beliefs and aligning their care with their preferences. Kimone emphasizes, “When patients feel heard and empowered in their care, their satisfaction, treatment adherence, and overall health outcomes improve.” Utilizing interpreters when necessary, avoiding assumptions, and asking the right questions are essential steps in this process.
As a nurse leader, Simone has always emphasized the importance of meeting patients where they are, ensuring that their beliefs, values, and backgrounds are respected in the care they receive. She advocates for policies that eliminate disparities, ensuring that healthcare teams approach every patient with dignity and fairness. By mentoring nurses and fostering a culture of cultural sensitivity, Simone strives to create healthcare environments where patients feel seen, heard, and respected, ultimately leading to better health outcomes and trust in the healthcare system for all.
The Future of Black Nurses in Healthcare
The future of Black nurses is bright. As the demand for diversity and culturally competent care continues to grow, so does the opportunity for Black nurses to lead change. Kimone believes, “We need more Black nurse leaders and advocates in positions where they can shape policies and influence the healthcare system.” Hospital systems like Trinity Health have recognized the importance of diversity and inclusion, embedding these values into their culture and practices. At Holy Cross, Kimone strives every day to embody these principles—to inspire purpose, create a sense of belonging, and fuel her own resilience.
Simone sees the future of Black nurses in healthcare as limitless. More Black nurses are stepping into leadership roles, academic positions, and policy-making arenas, ensuring that the voices of diverse communities are represented at every level of healthcare. She encourages Black nurses to step into leadership with confidence, seek advanced degrees, and actively participate in shaping policies that impact nursing and patient care. By supporting and uplifting each other, creating pathways for the next generation to excel and lead, the future of nursing can reflect the rich diversity of the populations served.
Holy Cross Health’s Commitment to Nursing Excellence
At Holy Cross Health, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that supports the growth and development of all nurses. Our Nurse Residency Program helps transition new nurse residents into their first clinical role, focusing on leadership, patient outcomes, and professionalism. We also offer education, training, and advancement opportunities to ensure our nursing staff continues to excel in their careers.
We are proud to recognize and celebrate the achievements of our nurses through initiatives like the DAISY Award, which honors the compassionate care provided by extraordinary nurses. By highlighting the stories of nurses, we hope to inspire future generations to pursue nursing and continue the legacy of excellence in healthcare.