Cultural competence refers to being able to communicate successfully with individuals from cultures that are different from other people. Cultural Sensitivity refers to having an understanding of other people’s cultures, being aware that they exist, and embracing them for who they are. Both cultural competency and sensitivity enable individuals to engage with one another without conflict, fostering harmony and peace among the group members. The two terms are similar in essence in that they collaborate in a productive way (Jarvis, 2019). Individuals may engage with people from other cultures efficiently without inciting hatred by learning about them and being sensitive to their differences.
One comprehends the diversity of cultures when they are culturally competent. For instance, if a person is an employer, they are aware that every worker comes from a variety of backgrounds. Therefore, they establish a non-discriminatory workplace since they are aware of the differences and wish to promote cohesion at work. As a result, employers guarantee that each employee with the same work description receives an equivalent amount when it comes to salary and the provision of services like company insurance (Gawlik et al., 2020). On the other hand, employers have a culturally sensitive understanding of the heterogeneous makeup of their workforce (Melnyk, 2020). Suppose one owns a business and hires people; they have an understanding of the numerous cultures that their workers come from and encourage them to freely express themselves. Therefore, if a given set of people believe in a certain thing, such as praying at a specific time on a specific day of the week, people should give them the freedom to practice their customs in the manner in which they see fit and enable them to do so.
It is important for nurses to consider both their own socio-cultural identity and that of the client in their self-assessment since it provides the nurses with the chance to develop a personal interaction with the patients, which enables them to comprehend the patients’ individual requirements in a better manner. When it comes to the management of patients and the formulation of individualized treatment strategies, this provides a patient-centered approach. It will make it possible for the nurses to have effective communication with the patients and will make it possible for them to have more positive relationships with the patients (Melnyk, 2020). Consideration plays a part in the sociocultural development of the identity of the nurses, which in turn will help the nurses to assimilate themselves into a variety of cultures, enabling them to mature and advance in their chosen area.
When a nurse does not consider their social and cultural identity and that of their patients, it results to poor relationships between patients and nurses, which will have an adverse effect on patient management. As a consequence of the lack of understanding, there could be conflicts between the patients and the nurses (Atanda, 2019). The nurses may also get disinterested in their work since they will only manage patients because it is required of them and not because they are interested in doing so.
Cultural competency is the capacity to communicate with individuals from various backgrounds. Abbas Khaled, the client, is now a Syrian refugee. Knowing that his cultural views vary from mine will play a crucial role in shaping the choice I make about the provision of services. The initial step is to calm the patient down and get rid of any types of anxiety he could be experiencing. I also need to be able to comprehend him, which is the second need (Jarvis, 2019). The patient and I will be able to communicate better if we have a translator. Ideally, the translator will be familiar with my patient’s culture. I will be able to understand his issues and meet his particular demands.
The two specific, relevant, and evidence-informed techniques/strategies used within the scope as a student RPN are: Knowledge of patient culture- via a translator or through reading about the culture. This will help me understand the patients’ particular culture, as well as their ideas and values. I will be able to meet their requirements as a result of being able to identify what they need. Being aware of the patient- The patient’s cultural background must be recognized by the nurse. As a result, the nurse will not be able to generalize about the patient or classify them in a certain manner (Jarvis, 2019). This will make it possible for the nurse to care for the patient properly.
The evidence-informed techniques are that the nurse will be able to determine if the management being offered is sufficient or whether a change needs to be made by doing assessments on the patient and his development after therapy has been administered (Gawlik et al., 2020). As the patient progresses, the nurse will be able to contact him or her and ask whether the services being rendered are sufficient. By letting the patient talk, the nurse will learn more about his culture (Atanda, 2019). This makes it possible for the nurse and the patient to communicate more effectively. As a consequence, providing patient-centered care and addressing their unique requirements is simple.
References
Atanda, J. O. (2019). Developing a social sustainability assessment framework. Sustainable cities and society, 44, 237-252. Web.
Gawlik, K. S., Melnyk, B. M., & Teall, A. M. (Eds.). (2020). Evidence-Based Physical Examination: Best Practices for Health & Well-Being Assessment. Springer Publishing Company.
Jarvis, C. (2019). Physical examination and health assessment (3rd ed.). Saunders.
Melnyk, B. M. (2020). Reducing healthcare costs for mental health hospitalizations with the evidence-based COPE program for child and adolescent depression and anxiety: a cost analysis. Journal of Pediatric Health Care, 34(2), 117-121. Web.