Modern nurses have to work with people who may represent various cultures. These professionals have to accept the idea that the values or principles of patients or colleagues can be different from their own. Therefore, one can say that nurses will be more knowledgeable about other people and more tolerant of their opinions or ideas.
Researchers identify several components of culturally competent nursing care. One of them is the ability to avoid prejudice or stereotypes about a different culture (Finkelman & Kenner, 2010, p. 309). Nurses should understand that a great number of popular beliefs about other countries or cultures are not really based on any facts. Additionally, medical workers should gain knowledge about the values, traditions, or family systems of people who can represent diverse cultures (Ulrich, 2009, p. 367). Apart from that, nurses should remember that some patients may not be proficient in the English language. Thus, it is important to make sure that they can communicate with medical workers. On the whole, nurses play an instrumental role in helping patients or their families. These people should be able to choose the most effective communication strategies.
Additionally, Beth Ulrich emphasizes the idea that nurses should attempt to reduce possible ethnic or racial inequalities (2009, p. 367). These professionals should remember about people representing ethnic minorities since these individuals may be discriminant again stated. The task of nurses is to eliminate even the possibility of such discrimination. Thus, to some degree, cultural competence involves social justice.
Thus, one can argue that culturally competent nursing includes such elements as effective communication strategies, sensitivity to the needs and values of other people, and willingness to ensure social justice. These are some of the goals that nurses should achieve.
References
Finkelman, A. & Kenner, C. (2010). Professional Nursing Concepts: Competencies for Quality Leadership. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett.
Ulrich, B. (2009). Providing Culturally Competent Nursing Care. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 36(4), 367.