Developing Cultural Competence Essay Example

is being used, a nurse should be sure to find a translator. This will aid in the patient’s condition expression as well as treatment.

Skills

In dealing with a patient from a different culture, a nurse should be able to learn and understand his/her cultural preferences and also beliefs (Giger, 2016). This will create a good relationship. At the same time, it will create a familiar feeling in a patient. As a result, a patient will be able to express him/herself easily. If cases of stereotyping and insensitivity cases appear during treatment, a patient may view a nurse as unskillful.

Areas in Which to Build Cultural Competence

Communication

Cases associated with patients’ medication refusal or demanding for release from hospitals are common in nursing (Jeffreys, 2015). However, with effective communication, it is possible for nurse to manipulate a patient to adhere to the provisions of a hospital. A nurse may, therefore, be forced to learn about a patient’s cultural preference when it comes to communication.

Space and Distance

People are usually attached to the space around themselves. The space between which people prefer between themselves varies according to cultures. Insensitivity with space requirements of a patient may make one to cause difficulties during treatment. Therefore, minimal interference with a patient’s space is an essential part of cultural competence.

Time and Punctuality

Time and promptness is also a subject of difference among different cultures. Nonetheless, most of our cultures are associated with prompt timing and punctuality when it comes to health matters (Jeffreys, 2015). Thus, as a nurse, it is crucially important to ensure that a patient is free from delayed services of treatment.

Conclusion

Developing cultural competence is essential in nursing. It equips a nurse with

skills, competence on how to deal with patients from different cultures and backgrounds. At the same time, it enables a nurse to deal with dilemmas associated with nursing.

References

1. Giger, J. N. (2016). Transcultural nursing: Assessment and intervention. Elsevier Health Sciences.
2. Jeffreys, M. R. (2015). Teaching cultural competence in nursing and health care: Inquiry, action, and innovation. Springer Publishing Company.