Student perception of diversity, equity, and inclusion curricular threads on nursing practice

BACKGROUND: Compassionate, inclusive, and equitable nursing care begins with integrating concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and social determinants of health (SDOH) into curricula.

PROBLEM: Little is known about RN to BSN students' perception of applying these concepts in practice. The purpose of this pilot project was to assess RN to BSN students' perceptions of DEI-SDOH curricular threads in their nursing practice.

APPROACH: Students were surveyed to assess their perceptions about the impact DEI-SDOH curricular content had on their ability to assess and address DEI-SDOH in practice, level of confidence in talking about DEI-SDOH, addressing breaches in DEI, and the influence of DEI-SDOH in nursing.

OUTCOMES: Respondents indicated DEI-SDOH curricula promoted self-examination, critical examination of health care systems, and increased DEI-SDOH competence.

CONCLUSION: DEI-SDOH curricula build upon professional experiences, strengthen assessment and application competence, and equip nurses with confidence to address DEI-SDOH as an effective strategy to reduce health disparities.