Tipping Point: Integrating Social Determinants of Health Concepts in a College of Nursing

Background: State health rankings, national nursing education reform, and increasing awareness of social injustices propelled a college of nursing to transform its strategic plan, infrastructure, and curriculum. The prevalence of social determinants of health (SDOH) in South Carolina indicates a need for the state's health workforce to understand the impact of SDOH and recognize strategies to address and ameliorate SDOH. With the paradigmatic integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion in nursing education, there is a need for programmatic and curricular integration of SDOH to increase awareness, foster understanding, and transform perspectives among nursing faculty, staff, and students. Method: Institutional changes were made to improve inclusive excellence, and the evolutionary process is described. Results: SDOH-rich resources and experiential learning have been integrated across a college of nursing. Conclusion: This journey is ongoing and essential for preparing nurses to advance patient advocacy, health equity, and social justice for diverse populations.