A diverse, equitable, and inclusive nursing curriculum: A qualitative thematic analysis of faculty and student...

To explore nursing student and faculty perceptions of DEI within a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in the United States to offer insights to guide ongoing curricular improvement.

Meaningful curricular reform is important in advancing a more inclusive and representative nursing workforce. Scholars and professional organizations increasingly identify nursing curricula as a structural barrier to workforce diversity. As nursing education continues to evolve, there is a growing imperative to assess curricula for bias and inclusivity to support diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts.

This descriptive, qualitative study draws on qualitative data from a broader psychometric survey study conducted in Spring 2022, engaging 104 nursing students and 24 faculty members.

The survey encompassed nine DEI-related questions assessing understanding and relevance. Participants were invited to identify missing aspects across evaluation areas, such as structural support for diverse learners and language inclusivity. Open-ended responses were analyzed through thematic analysis to compare thematic feedback from students and faculty members.

Both shared and distinct perspectives between students (n = 32) and faculty (n = 15) on the BSN curriculum emerged. Responses often reflected broader perceptions of the curriculum. Six key themes emerged: Accessibility and support, Awareness of bias and representation, Terminology and language, Cultural considerations, Community and engagement, and Integration of structural issues.

This study highlights critical areas for improvement in nursing education. By addressing biases, enhancing accessibility, and integrating social justice principles, institutions can create more inclusive educational environments. Incorporating both students' and faculty members' perspectives in curriculum development is essential to recruiting diverse nursing professionals and mitigating health disparities across populations.