Cultural Competency, Coursework Example

Introduction

Cultural competency in the nursing work environment is achieved in many ways and is largely based upon specific experiences and encounters throughout one’s life that impact the manner in which nurses interact with patients of different cultures. These experiences serve as an awakening of sorts that enable nurses to gain greater cultural awareness and apply it to the practice environment (Douglas et.al, 2014). Cultural competence in nursing practice is essential to improve quality of care and to promote consistency across a variety of roles, along with providing a basis for examining the different constructs of nursing that impact education and professional growth (Clark et.al, 2011).

Analysis

Based upon the guidance provided by the Transcultural Nursing Society, human beings, regardless of cultural identity, customs, and social status, deserve the same level of respect and treatment at all times (2014). Therefore, nurses should not discriminate against patients under any circumstances and must demonstrate a high level of cultural competency towards their patients (Transcultural Nursing Society, 2014). Furthermore, nurses must adhere to the guidelines of social justice with their treatment of patients from different cultures to ensure that treatment is fair and equitable, regardless of culture (Grace & Willis, 2012). Nurses often exercise a high degree of spirituality in the practice setting, and this supports an awareness of treating all patients with respect and dedication, perhaps with a holistic approach in place (Nardi & Rooda, 2011; Mardiyono et.al, 2011).

Conclusion

The standards of cultural competency must be evident throughout nursing practice and require a strong understanding of cultural diversity as part of the practice setting. This process engages nurses in their roles and provides them with the tools and resources that are required to support equal rights in care and treatment for all patients, along with other resources that impact quality of life. As a result, nurses must be responsible for achieving expert knowledge in cultural competency to advance the practice environment, as well as their careers.

References

Clark, L., Calvillo, E., Fongwa, M., Kools, S., Lowe, J., & Mastel-Smith, B. (2011). Cultural competencies for graduate nursing education. Journal of Professional Nursing, 27(3), 133-139.

Douglas, M. K., Rosenkoetter, M., Pacquiao, D. F., Callister, L. C., Hattar-Pollara, M., Lauderdale, J., … & Purnell, L. (2014). Guidelines for Implementing Culturally Competent Nursing Care. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 1043659614520998.

Grace, P. J., & Willis, D. G. (2012). Nursing responsibilities and social justice: An analysis in support of disciplinary goals. Nursing outlook, 60(4), 198-207.

Mardiyono, M., Songwathana, P., & Petpichetchian, W. (2011). Spirituality intervention and outcomes: Corner stone of holistic nursing practice. Nurse Media Journal of Nursing, 1(1), 117-127.

Nardi, D., & Rooda, L. (2011). Spirituality-based nursing practice by nursing students: An exploratory study. Journal of Professional Nursing, 27(4), 255-263.

Transcultural Nursing Society. Human rights position statement. Retrieved from http://www.tcns.org/Humanrights1.html