Nursing and the Sustainable Development Goals: A Scoping Review
Purpose:
In 2015, all UN member states adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to promote global economic, social, and environmental progress. This scoping review explores how the nursing profession is connected to the SDGs and highlights the critical role nurses can play in advancing these global goals.
Methods:
Using Arksey and O'Malley’s five-stage framework, researchers reviewed literature from 2015–2020 using key terms related to nursing and the SDGs. Out of 447 articles identified, 35 were selected for final analysis.
Findings:
Two key perspectives emerged from the review:
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The Individual Nurse – Many nurses feel disconnected from the SDGs and may not see how their clinical roles align with these goals.
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The Nursing Profession – There is a need for increased engagement in research, policy, and advocacy to position nursing as a key contributor to SDG achievement.
Conclusion & Relevance:
Both individual nurses and the profession as a whole have untapped potential to support the SDGs. Increasing awareness through education and encouraging participation in research and decision-making processes—locally and globally—can strengthen nursing’s impact on sustainable development.
