Is University Nursing Education in Canada Taking the Lead in a World Focused on Sustainable Development?

Abstract

Global health is widely being adopted by universities and higher education institutions in Canada and around the world. The current global climate has given rise to an emphasis on the necessity of global health education for nurses. Nursing educators as well as nursing students are seeking guidance as they integrate global health as part of their learning, teaching, research, and practice. In September 2015, the member states of the United Nations adopted the sustainable development goals (SDGs): 17 goals to end poverty, protect the environment, and ensure health and well-being for all. These 17 goals will guide the world’s development agenda for the next 15 years. Canadian universities, especially nursing faculties/schools are uniquely placed to help implement the SDGs, particularly goals 3 and 4, which focus on good health and well-being and quality education. Little has been done in understanding universities and in particular nursing’s overall commitment to achieving these 17 goals. Nursing is the largest health care provider group and it is critical to understand our educational responsibilities in attaining the SDGs. The purpose of this paper is to share findings from a study which examined Canada’s largest nursing faculties’/schools of nursing’s mission statements and strategic plans, and to discuss how these mandates align with the achievement of the SDGs.