Nursing education is unique in its dual focus on individual
care as well as population health and community nursing.
Nurses are educated to consider the individual, family, and
community in designing and evaluating nursing interventions.
Smith (2007) argued that due to the emphasis on relationships
and caring within the profession, nursing is the
profession uniquely and best equipped to lead in the reduction
of health disparities. Nursing education plays a key role
in preparing nurses for leadership roles in moving the U.S.
toward a focus on social determinants of health