In Canada, warming temperatures, precipitation, and environmental shifts have led to a proliferation of disease-carrying vectors and the emergence and growth of vector-borne diseases, including Lyme disease. These updated guidelines provide a unified set of learning outcomes that complement existing entry to-practice competencies and focus specifically on climate driven VBDs.
Grounded in current evidence, Indigenous and equity focused perspectives, and planetary health principles, the guidelines offer clear direction to nurse educators while allowing flexibility for regional and contextual adaptation.
The updates build on the original national consensus process and reflect updated literature, surveillance data, policies, position statements, calls to action, and educational priorities identified through an environmental scan and advisory committee review. These guidelines aim to strengthen nursing education in Canada so that new registered nurse graduates are prepared to support individuals, families, communities, and populations affected by, or at risk of being affected by, climate driven VBDs.