Impact of a Social Justice Course in Graduate Nursing Education

Abstract

Background: Social justice and health equity are foundational concepts to the graduate-prepared nurse's role. However, the integration of these concepts into graduate nursing education has been unclear. Purpose: This study examined the impact of a newly created social justice course in a graduate nursing program. Methods: The impact of the Health Equity and Social Justice course on students' values and attitudes toward social justice was investigated through analysis of quantitative and qualitative data generated in the course. Results: Data were collected from 41 graduate nursing students. Findings demonstrated that students who completed the course had an increased endorsement of social justice values, goals, and behaviors. Students universally found the course to be transformational. Conclusions: A social justice course in graduate education can be transformational in shaping students' values and attitudes toward health equity and social justice.