Systematic Review Finds Intersectional Barriers Hinder Nursing Education Access

BackgroundNursing, as a pillar of healthcare, must train a diversifying workforce under increasingly complex conditions. Access to education is affected by intersectional factors including gender, international biographie, socio-economic status, and hierarchical structures, yet systematic analyses remain limited.MethodsA PRISMA-based scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Ebsco CINAHL, PeDocs, CareLit, Livivo, and Google Scholar. Seventy studies were screened, with eight articles thoroughly analyzed for conceptual insights.ResultsIntersectional barriers substantially hinder access to educational and qualification opportunities in nursing, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups. Hierarchical structures, Eurocentric curricula, and inadequately adapted digital strategies exacerbate these disparities and perpetuate discriminatory practices that negatively impact both carers and patients.ConclusionTraditional deficit-oriented approaches focus on perceived adaptation issues among marginalized groups rather than on the structural barriers within the healthcare system. Early integration of intersectional perspectives in nursing education is essential for fostering ethical awareness, challenging power imbalances, and empowering professionals to dismantle discriminatory practices. Comprehensive curricular reforms that address racism, gender dynamics, and socio-economic inequities can promote inclusivity, improve professional retention, and enhance patient care outcomes. Systematically integrating intersectional frameworks into nursing education is crucial for reducing systemic inequities and catalyzing long-term structural change in the healthcare system.