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The purpose of this chapter is to report the findings gathered in an author-designed survey of new nurse graduates in Connecticut of their confidence in the application of environmental health in their nursing practice. An invitation to the survey was included in newsletters of Connecticut Nurses Association sent to all practicing nurses in Connecticut. New nurse graduates' confidence level regarding incorporation of environmental health vary substantially among the aspects of environmental health and this confidence decreases as they progress through the steps of the nursing process.

Climate change is a significant threat to human health across the life cycle. Nurses play an important role in mitigation, adaptation, and resilience to climate change. The use of health care resources, air quality and extreme heat, mental health, and natural disasters are major content areas across undergraduate nursing curricula that influence or are influenced by climate change. Teaching strategies and resources are offered to prepare nursing students to address climate change and human health.

Environmental Health 101: Incorporating Environmental Health into the Nursing Curriculum program for nursing faculty was presented at the National League for Nursing's annual conference in November 2011. This faculty program provided by the Connecticut League for Nursing was designed in response to the American Nurses' Association inclusion of environmental health into the 2010 Scope and Standards of Practice for Registered Nurses. State and national leaders in environmental health and nursing presented to representatives from licensed practical nurse, associate, and bachelor's degree nursing programs in Connecticut. Follow-up surveys revealed that attendees had incorporated environmental health information into lectures and clinical experiences and have shared information gained from the programs with families and communities. This interactive program was positively evaluated and can be duplicated by other providers.

Exposure to toxic chemicals contributes to lifelong health effects such as asthma, diabetes, and cancer. Children, one of the most vulnerable populations, are susceptible to the effects of toxic chemicals they may come in contact in the everyday environment. Children and their families are capable of promoting earth caring by simple activities every day. Teaching earth caring to children might instill habits for a lifetime that contribute to a healthier world and promote positive health for all.

In 2010, the American Nurses Association (ANA) added an environmental health standard to the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice requiring that nurses implement environmental health strategies in nursing practice. To prepare nurse educators to integrate environmental health at all educational levels, nursing faculty members from the Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments developed environmental health competencies and curricular recommendations that address this need. Internet URLs are included for environmental health curricula for each level of nursing education.