Puzan (2003, p. 197) discusses racial stratification being responsible for organizing social relations, meaning that through language and practice , nurses participate in the production and maintenance of patient identity. Nurses are likely to interact and respond to patients with unconscious bias, relying on ingrained and accepted stereotypes. Racial inequality in health care is a multidimensional problem, with barriers to health care involving the health care system, the patient, the community, and health care providers themselves. Lack of awareness and education regarding issues of race, racism and whiteness contributes to poor perceptions and is addressed in the Australian Nursing Curriculum (Van Den Berg, 2010, p. 2). The relationship between health and racism has been identified as the cause of persistent differences in health by racial or ethnic classification, and racism is identified as the root cause of the extreme socio-economic and health disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal Australians. (Larson et al, 2007, p. 26). Having diversity and cross-cultural skills is important, as is paying attention to systemic policies and procedures that negatively impact a nurse's ability to provide adequate care to people of all races. A wide range of elements influence the patient experience of quality nursing care. However, nurses often must balance systemic biases with their desire to provide nursing care based on patient needs and preferences. Establishing autonomy over their own practice to improve patient experience is considered optimal.: