In this episode, Dr. Steven Palazzo hosts Drs. Deborah Finn-Romero, Megan Jester, and Sara Kaylor to discuss their contributions to the book, Nursing Leaders Driving Health Equity: Tackling Social and Structural Determinants. The book, developed by the inaugural NLN/Walden Social Determinants of Health & Social Change Leadership Academy cohort, offers practical tools for nurse educators and leaders to address health inequities. The guests stress the need to shift from cultural to structural competence and to empower nurses to drive systemic change through leadership and policy influence. Ultimately, the book serves as a practical, reflective resource for fostering inclusive, equity-driven nursing education and leadership.

Now Available:

Nursing Leaders Driving Health Equity: Tackling Social and Structural Determinants. Explore this essential resource today at NLN Bookstore, powered by Wolters Kluwer: https://nln.lww.com/Nursing-Leaders-Driving-Health-Equity/p/9781975248307

Learn more:

Discover how the NLN/Walden University College of Nursing Institute for Social Determinants of Health & Social Change is advancing education and leadership: https://www.nlnwaldensdoh.org/

Apply Now:

Applications are open through September 30 for the 2026 NLN/Walden Social Determinants of Health & Social Change Leadership Academy. Join a community of changemakers: https://apply-nln.smapply.io/prog/2026_nlnwalden_social_determinants_of_health_social_change_leadership_academy/

Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the leading organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. Find past episodes of the NLN Nursing EDge podcast online. Get instant updates by following the NLN on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube. For more information, visit NLN.org.