Troubling the Comfort Zone of Nursing Education Through Critical Allied Educators

Abstract

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exposed long-standing connections between health inequity and social injustice. With Millennials and Gen Z at the forefront of protests against racial injustices, the disconnect between students and educators is increasing. Students expect educators to trouble the comfort zone of the classroom and clinical settings to address the complex dynamics of anti-Black racism and oppressive practices. Educators are challenged to be critical allies for transformative learning to occur.

Method

The innovative co-creation of a teaching and learning model involving educators and students is introduced.

Results

Centering educators as critical allies, the model demonstrates how, using the three P components of people, place, and program, educators can integrate the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion for a transformative experience that will bolster the student-educator relationship.

Conclusion

Educators as critical allies are central to dismantling anti-Black racism and other forms of oppression through teaching and learning. [J Nurs Educ. 2025;64(X):XXX-XXX.]