Community health clinical education in Canada: part 2--developing competencies to address social justice, equity, and the social determinants of health

Int J Nurs Educ Scholarsh. 2009:6:Article2. doi: 10.2202/1548-923X.1638. Epub 2009 Jan 17.

Abstract

Recently, several Canadian professional nursing associations have highlighted the expectations that community health nurses (CHNs) should address the social determinants of health and promote social justice and equity. These developments have important implications for (pre-licensure) CHN clinical education. This article reports the findings of a qualitative descriptive study that explored how baccalaureate nursing programs in Canada address the development of competencies related to social justice, equity, and the social determinants of health in their community health clinical courses. Focus group interviews were held with community health clinical course leaders in selected Canadian baccalaureate nursing programs. The findings foster understanding of key enablers and challenges when providing students with clinical opportunities to develop the CHN role related to social injustice, inequity, and the social determinants of health. The findings may also have implications for nursing programs internationally that are addressing these concepts in their community health clinical courses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Canada
  • Community Health Nursing / education*
  • Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / organization & administration*
  • Education, Nursing, Graduate / methods
  • Educational Measurement
  • Female
  • Focus Groups
  • Health Education / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nurse's Role
  • Professional Competence
  • Program Development
  • Program Evaluation
  • Social Justice*
  • Socioeconomic Factors