The UNLV School of Nursing organizes research within a framework developed by the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities. This framework conceptualizes factors that promote optimum wellness across the lifespan and their intersections with the social-ecological model. Because of this, the framework highlights the intersection of the person with the determinants of health.

These classifications provide a systematic approach to locate the work of our nurse researchers within the context of influences that are relevant to individuals achieving their optimum health. Research within the school of nursing covers all domains of influence, from biologic studies of hormones and stress makers to population level studies of the organization of our health system.

This framework highlights that health outcomes are due to the cumulative effects of multiple domains and levels of influence. The work of our faculty span multiple levels within this framework as they seek innovative ways to address health problems.