
MS Nursing thesis defense
Upholding Social Justice in Nursing: The Value of Clinical Educational Experiences
by: Flavia Bughiu
Supervisor: Dr. Barb Astle
Second Reader: Dr. Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham
Third Reader: Dr. Em Pijl, University of Lethbridge
Exam Chair: Dr. Maggie Theron
Abstract
Social justice is a fundamental tenet to the profession of nursing. Embedded within the notion of upholding social justice is that of addressing the social determinants of health (SDH). Yet, little is known about nursing students’ views of whether they feel competent, or confident, to address the SDH, as a result of partaking in an educational experience offering exposure to the SDH. The purpose of this research was to explore the value of clinical educational experiences in expanding nursing students’ understanding of – and perceived ability to address – the SDH. An integrated mixed research synthesis of thirty-three studies was conducted, complemented by a thematic analysis. Four themes arose from the thematic analysis: cognitive learning, experiential learning, reflexive learning, and praxis learning. Implications are discussed in relation to nursing education and research to foster transformational learning in order to promote nursing students’ perceived ability to address the SDH in their nursing practice.