The Integration of Social Justice within the MSN (Entry into Nursing) Curriculum

Health disparities are getting increased attention in nursing and other health profession education programs. But this is more than a buzzword—these disparities are the result of historically rooted inequities that continue to adversely impact health for marginalized communities. Throughout our health care system we see personal and systemic biases that have resulted in chronic health issues.

The ultimate question one must raise is:

How do you see your work in health care promoting health equity and battling inequities that historically marginalized communities face daily?

In the MSN (Entry into Nursing) curriculum, students learn how past and present health inequities shape health care and its outcomes. In students’ first semester, the Professionalism and Community Outreach courses introduce students to the connection between social determinants of health and nursing care. In the fourth semester, students in the Childbearing course critically examine how implicit bias adversely impacts childbearing people of color and learn strategies to mitigate this. In addition, workgroups are actively collaborating with faculty to broaden representation of patient populations within the course material across all programs. These are just a few of the ways our school is ensuring graduates are prepared to serve diverse patient populations now and in the future.  

You may ask yourself:

What makes a Hopkins graduate different?

It is the unique ability and drive to critically examine and effect change that promotes health equity. The nursing skill set is particularly well suited to dismantle inequities—and we help you build those skills.

With access to active research, scholarly work, community outreach programs, and policy efforts, you too will have a hand in advancing health equity for Black, Brown, LGBTQIA+, geriatric patients, and many other marginalized communities.

Our goal?

To see Hopkins Nurses continue to challenge the status quo by advocating for health equity for all.

Read more:

• Explore Research with the MSN (Entry into Nursing) Program
• What Makes the MSN (Entry into Nursing) Program Unique?
• Baltimore Living and Tips for a Seamless Transition
• 4 Tips for Connecting with Admissions at Johns Hopkins School of Nursing

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: BRANDON LEBLANC

Brandon LeBlanc serves as the assistant director for MSN (Entry into Nursing) Recruitment at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing. He has a passion for helping students bring life-long goals to life. Feel free to contact him with any questions regarding our nursing programs at 410-502-4132 or [email protected].