Cultural Competence is being aware that others may have differences in their culture than western cultures

Cultural Competence is being aware that others may have differences in their culture than western cultures. Learning and respecting the differences is important to provide culturally competent care. (Faulkner, A. 2018) Incorporating traditional culture values with western medicine will promote better health outcomes.

To begin, there are ways to gain insight on a patients culture. For instance, U.S. Department of Health and Human resources website in the minority health section there are population profiles for different ethic groups and a general idea of their culture health practices and values. In addition to minority health profiles there are continuing education courses to maintain knowledge on cultural competencies.

As the nurse, having a basic knowledge of the differences in cultures is important but it is more important to learn your patients individual cultural values. This is done by gaining a trusting relationship with the patient and asking questions in a respectful, non-judgmental manor. For instance, American Indians may use a more holistic approach such as herbs and meditation therapies for their health. In dealing with several different ethic/cultural groups I’ve learned we have differences. Such as, I currently have a patient whose mother will not take in health information, we must talk to her husband first. It is very common in the western culture for the mother to make more of the decisions for the child but in this case, it is not. Respecting how their culture works is keep in providing culturally competent care.

References:

Falkner, A. (2018). Cultural Competence. Dynamics in Nursing Art and Science of Profession Practice 1st ed.Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs430v/dynamics-in-nursing-art-and-science-of-professional-practice/v1.1/#/chapter/3

Office of Minority Health. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2020, from https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/

Office of Minority Health Population Profiles. (n.d.). Retrieved February 12, 2020, from https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/