Rethinking Cultural Competence, Capstone Project Example

Introduction

The prevalence of cultural competence within a healthcare organization is of critical importance in shaping the environment in which knowledge and resources are utilized to the best possible extent to support organizational needs. Cultural competence requires an examination of the key principles that govern the practice environment and how different cultures impact nurses’ roles and perspectives towards the treatment of patients. It is expected that there will be considerable efforts made to accommodate patients of different cultures to enable them to feel included and supported by the activities taking place at the organization. Cultural competence at the organizational level requires an examination of specific behaviors and beliefs that impact patient care and what is required to treat a given population with the utmost respect and support at all times. It is imperative to utilize evidence-based solutions to accommodate veterans and to be mindful of the challenges of working with this group in order to achieve improved outcomes in the care and treatment of all patients. The ability to promote inclusion among all cultures is critical to the success of the treatment process; therefore, cultural competence must serve as a critical priority in supporting a successful dynamic for patient care and treatment under all possible conditions.

Body

Cultural competence includes an understanding of the different dynamics of patient care and the different belief systems that prevail throughout different populations; therefore, it is important for nurses to be mindful of these challenges and to recognize their responsibility to treat all cultures with respect at all times. In addition, cultural competence must be reexamined on a regular basis because continuous changes are likely to occur that impact the activities taking place at the organizational level that impact how patient care is administered (Kirmayer, 2012). It is also evident that nurses must be mindful of the challenges associated with developing a practice environment whereby patient care is likely to change with the current trends in healthcare and throughout society. Therefore, nurses must be prepared to change their practices to some degree to accommodate political and healthcare changes that may influence the practice setting in a positive manner (Kirmayer, 2012). Nurses must also be prepared to work collaboratively to address any challenges that emerge with respect to patient cultures and to provide support as needed to address patient care in a timely and efficient manner (Kirmayer, 2012). Inclusion of all population groups must be addressed and supported by a framework where nurses are able to care for patients without prejudice or a lack of engagement with specific populations with whom they might be less familiar (Kirmayer et.al, 2012).

Cultural competence continues to serve as a critical component of the practice setting and requires nurses to obtain ongoing knowledge and education from their peers and from nursing-based leaders. Expert knowledge from leaders and educators will go a long way in supporting nurses’ ability to work proactively to meet expectations and to support a framework that will have a positive and lasting impact on health and wellbeing for all patients (Ume-Nwagbo, 2012). This process also reflects the importance of shaping a nursing-based environment where cultural inclusion is of critical importance and supports a climate that impacts the health of all patients in a positive manner (Ume-Nwagbo, 2012). Patient care outcomes must support the continued growth and development of the practice environment and aim to impact how nurses work collectively to meet these needs in a timely manner.

Cultural competence must serve as a key component of daily nursing activities and provide a framework that will support and engage nurses in different activities that will impact patient health and wellbeing. This process requires nurses to be mindful of their own decisions at all times and consider how they will influence direct patient care, along with recognizing the value of nurse-led interventions and knowledge to accommodate patients at the highest possible level. Nurses’ cultural competence should also be considered in the context of their ability to care for and treat patients with the utmost professionalism and support from the healthcare community, using practical measurements as a guide (Loftin, Hartin, Branson, & Reyes, 2013). It is important for nurses to be mindful of their own perspectives and attitudes towards cultural competence in order to be successful in this regard and to treat patients respectfully and courageously at all times (Loftin et.al, 2013). Furthermore, when cultures collide and conflict for one reason or another, it is important to identify the barriers that exist and aim to overcome said barriers to improve healthcare practice by minimizing the conflicts as best as possible (Campinha-Bacote, 2011). Patient care quality must be addressed as a critical priority in addressing cultural needs to be mindful of consistency across cultures and in supporting an environment where equality is of primary importance for patients, thereby reducing the risk of conflicts that may impact patients over time (Campinha-Bacote, 2011).

Conclusion

Patient care requires astute knowledge of different cultures and experiences in order to be successful in the treatment of all patients across all population groups. Therefore, continuing education provided by experienced nurses and an understanding of the values and perspectives of different cultures must be achieved and supported by evidence that will positively impact patients and the quality of care that is administered over the long term. These considerations require nurses to exercise sound and reasonable judgment in supporting a dynamic where cultural competence is the norm and supports a climate of trust among nurses and with their patients.

References

Campinha-Bacote, J. (2011). Delivering patient-centered care in the midst of a cultural conflict: The role of cultural competence. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 16(2).

Kirmayer, L. (2012). Rethinking cultural competence. Transcultural Psychiatry,49(2), 149.

Loftin, C., Hartin, V., Branson, M., & Reyes, H. (2013). Measures of cultural competence in nurses: an integrative review. The Scientific World Journal,2013.

Ume-Nwagbo, P. N. (2012). Implications of nursing faculties’ cultural competence. Journal of  Nursing Education, 51(5), 262-268.