A Role for History in Inclusive Nursing Education

History is a critical methodology that provides perspective on complex issues in health care today.

This article draws on a selection of interdisciplinary scholarship on the history of nursing and health care, including work by scholars of color; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ+) scholars; and disability studies scholars, to demonstrate the role of history in inclusive nursing education.

History provides critical perspective regarding how race, gender, class, sexuality, and disability have shaped the development of nursing and the health care system, affected who has been able to access education and careers in nursing, and influenced Americans' access to and experiences of health care.

History prepares nursing students to better understand the reasons for and implications of persistent health disparities and inequities in access to nursing education and health care services, providing them with knowledge to advocate for greater health equity and social justice during their nursing careers. [.