Inclusivity in Baccalaureate Nursing Education: A Scoping Study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Inclusivity Studies
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Inclusivity is essential for nursing education excellence, fostering belonging through diverse interactions.
• Faculty often face challenges in creating inclusive learning environments for nursing students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping study on inclusivity in baccalaureate nursing education.
• To identify evidence-based strategies for promoting inclusivity.
• To outline future research directions in this area.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted.
• Thirty studies published between 2001 and 2016 in English-speaking countries were analyzed.
• A thematic analysis approach was used to organize the findings.

Main Results:

• Underrepresented minority nursing students frequently experience discrimination from peers, faculty, and clinicians.
• This discrimination contributes to a lack of belongingness, negatively affecting student outcomes.
• The learning community environment significantly influences inclusivity and belonging for undergraduate nursing students.

Conclusions:

• The study enhances understanding of underrepresented minority nursing students' experiences with inclusivity.
• Findings can guide future interventions to improve inclusivity in nursing education.
• Addressing discrimination and fostering belonging are key to enhancing the educational experience.