At the College of Nursing, we’re always looking for ways to help our students make a greater impact in the field and in their communities. This commitment has led to an exciting new collaboration with the National League for Nursing (NLN) called the Institute for Social Determinants of Health and Social Change.
Over the next five years, Walden and the NLN will work together to prepare nurse educators and their interprofessional colleagues to lead change by addressing social determinants of health in their programs and curricula. This collaboration reflects contemporary thinking about the role nursing education should play in achieving health equity for people across race, gender, age, and socioeconomic status.
Why is this collaboration so timely? Social determinants of health—factors such as food security, fresh air and water, adequate housing, and educational opportunities—have been proven to significantly impact people’s health and well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought this topic center stage, with vulnerable populations being at the greatest risk for severe illness and death. Addressing unsafe and unhealthy conditions and environments has become a global public health concern.
“For more than 50 years, it has been Walden’s mission to empower students to make a difference by addressing societal challenges where they live, in their professions, and on a global scale,” says Lindell. “Our social change mission and excellence in nursing education, combined with the National League for Nursing’s expert leadership and advocacy, will create a groundbreaking institute for nurses, nurse educators, and other health professionals to profoundly change health education and healthcare for vulnerable populations. I believe nurses have the greatest access and opportunities for addressing and having a significant influence on population health outcomes directly related to social determinants of health and healthcare from their social change intervention activities.”
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (BSN), master’s degree program in nursing (MSN), post-graduate APRN certificate program, and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program at Walden University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org). Officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public’s health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency programs in nursing.