To dismantle health disparities and inequities in the United States, it is important for healthcare leaders to grasp the cultural and social determinants of health. Nurse administrators are responsible for addressing these determinants through initiatives and in their daily tasks to advance health equity. This includes the nursing practices they manage and the policies they develop and enforce.
The Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) – Nursing Administration online program from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) provides nurses with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complex landscape of health equity. This program emphasizes social justice, culturally sensitive nursing practice and continual improvement, helping nurses meet changing societal and environmental needs.
Social and Cultural Determinants of Health
Social determinants of health (SDOH) refers to the conditions in which individuals live, work and engage in daily activities that influence their health outcomes. These non-medical factors encompass elements such as employment, housing, education and transportation access. Together, these components shape the equity of a given environment. Social determinants of health greatly impact health outcomes and healthcare delivery, and it is essential for healthcare professionals to recognize and address these issues to advance health equity, provide effective patient care and improve community health. By doing so, they can develop more effective strategies to enhance overall well-being and reduce public health disparities.
Culture is considered a subset of SDOH. One’s customs, values and beliefs significantly shape how individuals perceive health, manage their well-being, respond to medical advice and make health decisions. A person’s health beliefs, family customs, religious beliefs, dietary customs, personal customs, languages spoken and sexual orientation can influence culture. Healthcare providers can create treatment plans that align with and respect the cultural backgrounds of their patients.
The Impact of Social Determinants of Health and Culture
Social determinants of health significantly impact health outcomes and disparities, with factors like access to quality education, stable employment and cultural barriers — such as language and health beliefs — contributing to these inequities. These determinants can lead to a decrease in quality care.
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) states that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, resulting in delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. Additionally, environmental factors like limited access to healthy food and poor working conditions can exacerbate health issues such as obesity, diabetes and mental health disorders.
In general, nurses are uniquely positioned to address these disparities by delivering care that is sensitive to their patients’ cultural and social contexts. By understanding and respecting patients’ beliefs and practices, they can develop personalized care plans that are both effective and culturally appropriate. Furthermore, nurse administrators and leaders can advocate for policies and programs that address SDOH and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to connect patients with the necessary resources and support services. This holistic approach is essential for improving overall patient outcomes.
Develop a Critical Understanding of Determinants of Health With an Online RN to MSN in Nursing Administration
TAMIU’s online RN to MSN Nursing Administration program equips nurses with the skills to develop and implement strategies that advance health within their organizations. One fundamental component of this program is the emphasis on social justice and culturally sensitive nursing practice, which are essential for addressing health disparities.
Additionally, the Cultural Determinants of Health Behavior course and Health Assessment course provide nurses with an understanding of how cultural and social factors impact health. These courses stress the importance of culturally competent care and prepare nurses to assess and address the unique needs of patient populations. By understanding the cultural and social settings in which patients live, nurses can provide effective and equitable care.
Further, the Nursing Leadership and Management – Didactic course focuses on the role of nursing leaders in promoting health. Students explore strategies for creating inclusive healthcare environments, developing policies that address social determinants of health, and leading initiatives that promote health at the organizational level. By integrating these strategies into practice, nursing leaders play a major role in reducing health disparities and improving patient outcomes. This comprehensive curriculum at TAMIU prepares nurses to take on leadership roles to meet society’s changing needs and positively impact their communities.
Learn more about Texas A&M International University’s online RN to MSN – Nursing Administration program.
