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Strengthening Nursing Education to Address Social Determinants of Health: Systems Leadership

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The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Global Applications to Advance Health Equity

Abstract

As a nation, we are now acknowledging, discussing, and addressing the root causes of inequity found in the social and structural determinants of health. Addressing social, economic, and environmental conditions that impact health is not new to nursing education, but a broader perspective that focuses on (1) systems and structures, (2) policy and politics, (3) historical drivers of inequity, (4) climate change, and (5) structural racism as a root cause of health inequities is new. With this recognition, nursing education must rapidly transform. This transformation will require courageous leadership to change culture, move beyond resistance, and update the curriculum. Cultivating critical consciousness and building structural competency are the new and necessary developmental and curricular underpinnings. In addition, there must be an intensification of the focus on the health and well-being of nurses leading in these new roles to advance health equity. Hope, healing, and finding one’s truth are now essential aspects of health and well-being for nurses leading the transformation of nursing education and healthcare delivery.

Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Recommendation 3

By 2021, nursing education programs, employers, nursing leaders, licensing boards, and nursing organizations should initiate the implementation of structures, systems, and evidence-based interventions to promote nurses’ health and well-being, especially as they take on new roles to advance health equity.

Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Recommendation 7

Nursing education programs, including continuing education and accreditors and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, should ensure that nurses are prepared to address social determinants of health and achieve health equity.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National League for Nursing, Washington, DC, USA

    Beverly Malone

  2. NLN/Walden University College of Nursing Institute for Social Determinants of Health and Social Change, National League for Nursing, Washington, DC, USA

    Sandra Davis

Authors
  1. Beverly Malone
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  2. Sandra Davis
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Correspondence to Beverly Malone .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Sulu Coaching (formerly Robert Wood Johnson Foundation), Cary, NC, USA

    Susan Hassmiller

  2. Professor and Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, The George Washington University School of Nursing, Washington DC, WA, USA

    Ashley Darcy Mahoney

  3. Dean and Chief Academic Officer School of Nursing, Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY, USA

    Kenya Beard

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Malone, B., Davis, S. (2023). Strengthening Nursing Education to Address Social Determinants of Health: Systems Leadership. In: Hassmiller, S., Darcy Mahoney, A., Beard, K. (eds) The Future of Nursing 2020-2030: Global Applications to Advance Health Equity. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-29746-5_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-29746-5_6

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