Nurses and Advanced Practice Providers in Global Health: An Untapped Potential

Nurses and advanced practice providers play a critical role in improving health outcomes globally, yet they remain underrepresented in major global health organizations. In 2022, an electronic survey was conducted among nurses and advanced practice providers at the University of California, San Francisco’s West and East Bay locations to assess their expertise and interest in working with partners in low- and middle-income countries and to identify barriers to their engagement in global health interventions. The survey revealed significant obstacles, including concerns about taking time off work, a lack of clear pathways to engage in global health, and challenges in securing funding for travel. The loss of potential income while working abroad was also cited as a barrier among participants. The survey’s results underscored the need for a centralized platform for nurses and advanced practice providers to share their expertise and foster collaborations. In response to these findings, the Center for Global Nursing at UCSF was established. The center provides opportunities in global research, partnerships, and education, creating pathways for meaningful involvement in global health initiatives. Further research is necessary to explore how the underrepresentation of nurses and advanced practice providers in academic global health initiatives impacts health outcomes on a global scale.