Social Change is at the core of Walden’s mission as a university. The sociological definition of social change is the “transformation of culture, behavior, social institutions, and social structure over time (University of Minnesota, 2016).” However, Walden University’s mission of social change is even more succinct. It is “people working to improve the lives of others (Walden University, n.d.).” As a DNP-prepared nurse, examples of the kinds of positive social change you might advocate for include implementation of policy that decreases infection rates in a vulnerable population, organizational change to provide immunizations for older adults with limited access to insurance, or respite activities for the staff during work hours.
As an advanced practice nurse, you are and will continue to serve as an agent of change in all you do. Think about the positive impacts you have on patient care, the organization for which you work, the communities you serve, and even the field of nursing in the largest sense. Consider the ways in which earning the DNP degree will support you in your advocacy for positive social change and your commitment to fostering innovation for change in nursing practice.
References
University of Minnesota. (2016). Sociology: 20.1 understanding social change. https://open.lib.umn.edu/sociology/chapter/20-1-understanding-social-change/
Walden University. (n.d.). 5 things that everyone should know about social change. https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-change/resource/five-things-that-everyone-should-know-about-social-change
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
To prepare:
- Review the Learning Resources that address the importance and value of being an agent of social change.
- Reflect on your personal and professional commitment to advocacy for patients, communities, and the nursing profession.
- Think about the role of the DNP-prepared nurse as an agent of positive social change.
- Consider how, as a DNP-prepared nurse, you will advocate for positive social change and have a positive impact on your patients, communities, and the nursing profession.
By Day 3 of Week 11
Address the following in your Blog entry:
- Describe the role of the DNP-prepared nurse as an agent of positive social change.
- Describe how you intend to demonstrate your commitment to positive social change as a DNP-prepared nurse.
- Explain how you will be an agent of social change and have a positive impact on your patients, communities, and the nursing profession. Be specific and provide examples.
- Walden University. (n.d.). Social changeLinks to an external site. [Multimedia]. https://www.waldenu.edu/why-walden/social-change
- Walden University Center for Social Change. (n.d.). Scholars of changeLinks to an external site. [Videos]. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/social-change/scholars-of-change
Note: The approximate length is 15 minutes combined for these media pieces
