Development of Undergraduate Competencies in Caring for People Experiencing Homelessness.

BACKGROUND

Nurses play a critical role in reducing health inequities in people experiencing homelessness (PEH), a key social determinant of health. Health disparities specific to PEH are exacerbated by numerous factors, including bias, stigma, and a lack of nursing competency in caring for PEH.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to validate registered nurse key competencies; associated knowledge, skills, and attitudes; and concepts, content, and learning activities to serve as an educational framework in providing care for PEH.

METHODS

Twenty-four nursing experts on the care of PEH rated draft competency and subcompetency statements for relevance and clarity, proposed revisions and missing competencies, and identified essential and useful content, concepts, and learning activities.

RESULTS

Four key competencies, 38 subcompetencies, and associated concepts, content, and learning activities were validated by the experts.

CONCLUSIONS

This framework can be used to guide curricular development across nursing programs to advance health equity for PEH.