Assessment of Structural Competency in Baccalaureate Nursing Students: A Descriptive Study. 2022

Elle J Del Gallo, and Christina K Lam
About the Authors Elle J. Del Gallo, BSN, RN, is nurse at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. Christina K. Lam, PhD, RN, is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at James Madison University School of Nursing, Harrisonburg, VA. For more information, contact Dr. Christina Lam, Russelck@jmu.edu.

Structural competency describes the ability to recognize structural factors that affect health disparities, such as inequity and stigma. These structural factors can alter a patient's symptoms and risk for certain diseases. The purpose of this study was to describe baccalaureate nursing students' attributions of the effects of structural factors on health. Participants in this study attributed structural factors as being relevant to adverse health outcomes. Findings demonstrated differences in attribution of structural factors by academic level. Given the shifting demographics in the United States and gaps in health care access, further research is needed on the development of structural competence in nursing students.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D002983 Clinical Competence The capability to perform acceptably those duties directly related to patient care. Clinical Skills,Competence, Clinical,Clinical Competency,Clinical Skill,Competency, Clinical,Skill, Clinical,Skills, Clinical,Clinical Competencies,Competencies, Clinical
D004508 Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate A four-year program in nursing education in a college or university leading to a B.S.N. (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). Graduates are eligible for state examination for licensure as RN (Registered Nurse). External Degree Programs, Nursing,Nursing Education, Baccalaureate,Baccalaureate Nursing Education,Baccalaureate Nursing Educations,Education, Baccalaureate Nursing,Educations, Baccalaureate Nursing,Nursing Educations, Baccalaureate
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D013338 Students, Nursing Individuals enrolled in a school of nursing or a formal educational program leading to a degree in nursing. Nurses, Pupil,Pupil Nurses,Nursing Student,Nursing Students,Student, Nursing,Nurse, Pupil,Pupil Nurse
D014481 United States A country in NORTH AMERICA between CANADA and MEXICO.

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