By discovering CHN applications through experiential learning, students are in a better position to understand the scope and role of CHN practice. [J Nurs Educ. 2018;57(9):566-569.].

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Student engagement with the community is a cornerstone of undergraduate nursing education in Canada. Working with community from perspectives of social justice, health equity, advocacy, and political action are essential for workforce readiness. We suggest that the erosion of public health theory and clinical courses in baccalaureate nursing programs undermines the potential capability of nurses to address the intersectionality of the social determinants of health. The impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on populations further demonstrates inequities, particularly among marginalized populations. Public health nursing education supports students’ understanding about the health impacts of social injustice, how systemic racism is embedded in colonial and Eurocentric structures, and practices of superiority and privileges.We, as a national group of public health nursing educators, set out to investigate how existing guidelines and competencies support public health in undergraduate education across Canada. Results from a national questionnaire of educators, and of PHN leaders on new graduate practice readiness are presented. Questionnaire responses confirm an erosion of PHN theory and practice in baccalaureate nursing education (BNE) curricula. The results of the questionnaires combined with evidence of PHN since the global pandemic provide educators and practitioners more insight to inform future directions to respond to workforce readiness.

We are all created equal, and only circumstance and history make us what we appear to be on the outside. (Wagamese, 2011, p. 81) Sioban Nelson (2009) suggests that there are stories that need to be told. Her words echo in our mind, as we sit quietly and listen to students attempting to understand manifestations of racism and discrimination in nursing practice with Indigenous people, immigrants, and refugees. But it's Richard Wagamese's (2011) words that touch our heart: "We are all created equal, and only circumstance and history make us what we appear to be on the outside" (p. 81). "And history" is a thread that needs to be picked up, as it may very well be essential for the challenging conversations we are having with students today. Racism has deep historical roots in Canada. Rethinking history in this time of reconciliation in Canada, particularly in nursing provides a means to reconsider our conversations with students and to reconsider the history of the profession in relation to reconciliation.

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