Turning Concern Into Confidence: Planetary Health Needs in Nursing Education

Climate change is a recognized global threat to human health, and nurses must be prepared to mitigate its negative effects. This article describes nursing student and faculty opinions about climate change and associated planetary health curricular needs.

A survey including the Six Americas Super Short Survey and an adaptation of the Planetary Health Report Card was developed and emailed to nursing students and faculty.

Student (n = 72) and faculty (n = 56) responses showed that although they were concerned about climate change, they were not confident in preparation of nurses student to climate change and its impact. Students and faculty shared perceptions about specific curricular areas are to be included in curricula.

In response to the updated Essentials, which include specific reference to climate change, widespread curricular change is imminent in nursing education. This study offers insight for integrating climate change and planetary health into nursing curricula. [.