Question

Cultural Diversity

In one page

using your own words, write in what ways can the nurse provide culturally sensitive care? provide three examples and discuss your examples

Answer 1

Cultural Diversity is a system of beliefs and behaviors that recognizes and respects the presence of all diverse groups in an organization or society, acknowledges and values their socio-cultural differences, and encourages and enables their continued contribution within an inclusive cultural context which empowers all within the organization or society.

Cultural competence is learning about how cultural differences may impact healthcare decisions and being able to modify care to align with that patient’s culture.

LANGUAGE

When nurses and their patients don’t speak the same language, providing quality medical care and making the patient feel comfortable and cared for can be exponentially more challenging. It can be difficult to inform a patient or be confident about consent given when the patient primarily communicates in their mother tongue.

When communicating with a patient, ask them to repeat back to you what you said, in their own words. If there’s a language barrier, a translator can help. Use pictures or hand gestures to communicate when necessary, and remember to be patient. Language barriers are frustrating for both you and your patient, but your patient is at a distinct disadvantage.

CULTURAL TRADITIONS

Healthcare providers who are unfamiliar with cultural traditions surrounding medical care may have difficulty connecting with the patient or the patient may not feel safe and recognized, which is key to treatment acceptance.

Think about the different cultures you’ve encountered in your healthcare career, as well as the cultures that are within your community.

CULTURAL ASSUMPTIONS

Many nurses have developed assumptions about different cultures over time, often because there was a fundamental lack of accurate education about that particular culture. Cultural assumptions and the lack of knowledge of culture can create unique challenges for both nurses and patients.

It’s important that nurses avoid making assumptions about cultures they aren’t familiar with. This can lead to a breakdown of trust and rapport between the nurse and their patient and reduce treatment acceptance.

Today’s changing cultural climate, it’s no longer a choice to become culturally sensitive, it’s a necessity. Nurses will need to work hard at becoming aware of cultural differences and providing culturally competent care. The payoff is significant though — culturally sensitive care builds provider to patient trust and rapport, increases treatment acceptance and opens the door for continuing education about important health matters in cultural communities that need it.