Cultural Competence In Nursing

There are many facets to cultural competence in health care. Medical providers must be prepared to handle interactions with people from diverse backgrounds. For nurses, who often have the most contact with patients, cultural competence is of the utmost importance.

Cultural competence in nursing comprises many aspects. Nurses should expect to interact with patients of different races, backgrounds, cultures, socio-economics status, religions, and sexualities. This is especially true as demographics worldwide have been changing, becoming more diverse. Nurses should be prepared to explain treatments and therapies in a variety of ways, to ensure their patients comprehend everything. By the same token, nurses may have to parse out what their patients are trying to say. Nurses may also be asked to partake in certain cultural or spiritual ceremonies, and should be prepared to respond and behave in these situations in a way which is appropriate but also does not compromise their own principles.

There are a number of negative effects that occur when nurses are unable to deliver culturally competent care. For example, it can increase stress and mental strain for the patient. It increases the likelihood that patients will not understand their instructions for self care. It can also result in negative feedback for the hospital or medical facility.