Running head: CULTURALLY COMPETENT CARE 1

Providing culturally competent care in nursing

Student: Divya

Georgian College, Barrie Canada

Mentor: Kathryn Morrison

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Abstract

This essay would examine the therapeutic relationship between nurse and patient in a

quality practice setting and culturally sensitive care. This assignment would describe the

definition of cultural competencies as knowledge and understanding of clients as well as own

culture and accepting and respecting the values of cultural differences.it throws light into the fact

of components of model for cultural competencies such as self-reflection, cultural knowledge,

client choice, communication and cultural encounter. Certain cultural factors which affect the

health and health care setting is also included as part of this data which include time orientation,

language and communication, economic factors and values and belief system.
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Introduction

Culturally competent care means addressing the cultural practices and beliefs of each

client. To be more precise, respecting each client’s cultural diversity, addressing the cultural

influences and beliefs, examining how such beliefs potentially impact their healthcare. When

nursing care does not meant with the patient’s belief set, compliance with the proposed treatment

plan is less likely. Cultural Competence Training must be established as part of new- hire or

annual competency review for employees because these cultural competence correlates with

improved patient outcomes. (Jennifer Ward, 2013).As evidenced by CNO practice guidelines,

client- centred care requires that nurses recognize the client’s culture, the nurse’s culture and

how both affect the nurse-client relationship and there is no single right approach to all cultures

or all individuals with a similar cultural background. The focus of care is always the client’s

needs. Each client and each situation is unique and requires individual assessment and planning.

However, in my personal opinion, this topic has great concern in Canada as of now because the

cultural diversity is accepted phenomenon of today.

Definition of Cultural competence

It is defined as “developing an awareness of one’s own existence, sensations, thoughts, and

environment without letting it have an undue influence on those from other backgrounds;

demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the client’s culture; accepting and respecting

cultural differences; adapting care to be congruent with the client’s culture”.(Flowers. 2004).

Components of model for cultural competence

Self-reflection
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To facilitate effective patient care the Nurse must understand his / her cultural and

professional background with regard to nursing profession because each individual have their

own belief, values and biases which helps to gain a greater sense of self .This component would

definitely assist the nurse to understand or identify the values and biases when dealing with

specific groups of clients. Nurses can be meticulous in asking culturally relevant questions to

patients and they can even enlighten their knowledge by interacting with their colleagues as well.

Acquiring cultural knowledge

The aim of cultural knowledge is to become aware of cultural beliefs and norms pertaining

to particular group of people, understanding worldviews, practices, lifestyle and problem solving

abilities. There are specific areas which a nurse must be considered when dealing with cultural

values and beliefs of individuals like Perception of health, illness and death, Views about

hospital and health care providers, decision making process, ideology about keeping time, family

values and social relationship and so on.

Communication

According to CNO standard, therapeutic Nurse - client relationship is associated with

meaningful communication between nurse and patient. Precisely, communication and culture are

closely interlinked to an extent, so nurses are obliged to modify their communication approaches

to meet their cultural needs and should encourage the patient to communicate cultural

interpretations of health, illness and health care in order to facilitate effective communication as

well as plan of care. Most importantly, if there are barriers in communication nurse should make

arrangements for appropriate interpreter with client consent and they should use validating or

restating technique in communication. (CNO practice standard, 2009).

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Cultural encounter

Nurses must create opportunities to interact with predominant cultural groups in addition to

that they also should visit events such as religious ceremonies, social events and demonstrations

of cultural practices. So that they get very good exposure to learn more about cultural

preferences. It is very good idea for health care providers being visited or volunteer at health

fairs in local ethnic neighborhoods which may give them a chance to learn about important

cultural beliefs and practices is of good idea to incorporate those kills into practices. ( Lewis,

Heitkemper, Dirksen, 2000)

Cultural Factors affecting health and healthcare.

Time orientation

Some people value social role than to arrive on time with an appointment with a health care

provider, besides there are cultures which are future oriented and some are part or present

oriented which may affect the way they take decisions.

Language and communication

In some occasions may not speak English which makes communication difficult, even they

find hard to communicate with their interpreters and these barriers should addressed in order to

create effective communication.

Economic factors

Patients may not get access to healthcare sometimes due to the cost and travel expenses to

the health care system especially with refugee or illegal immigrant status. There are situations

patients may lack health insurance which is yet another reason for inadequate access to the health

care delivery system

Health care system

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Patient may not make or keep appointments, lack of ethnic specific healthcare programs

and transportation are some of the barriers to an access to health care system. In some cases

patients may not have a primary health care provider and may use emergency departments or

urgent care centers for health care.

Beliefs and practices

Religious practices may affect a person’s decision to health care or they may delay in

seeking care because of fear or dependence to alternative medicines like herbal remedies. There

possibilities of care provided in established health care programs may not be perceived as

culturally relevant. Sometimes patients may have had a previous negative experience with

culturally insensitive health care providers or discriminatory practices. ( Lewis, Heitkemper,

Dirksen, 2000)

Conclusion

I strongly feel that the importance of providing culturally competent care is one of the

vital aspects of nursing care which every nurse must aware of it. I find it is very useful for me

studied about this topic so that I could come to know what culturally competent care to a large

extent is. I also feel that it is very significant for a nurse to learn culturally sensitive practices

right from the budding stage to deal with such specific areas of care effectively. Hopefully,

having researched about this topic helped me to broaden my knowledge level.

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REFERENCES

College Of Nurses Ontario. (2009, June). Culturally Sensitive Care. Retrieved

from http://www.cno.org/Global/docs/prac/41040_CulturallySens.pdf.

Flowers, (2004, August). Culturally Competent Nursing Care. Critical Care Nurse.24, 48-52.

Retrieved from http://ccn.aacnjournals.org/content/24/4/48.full#sec-3

Jennifer, (2013, August). 5 Strategies for a Culturally Competent Patient Care. Retrieved
from http://www.nursetogether.com/providing-culturally-competent-patient-care

Lewis.S.M,Heitkemper.M.M,Dirksen.S.R(2000). Medical Surgical Nursing. Mosby.1, 18 - 28