With an increasingly diverse, multicultural society, cultural competence is necessary for all career fields. This is especially true in the field of nursing. What exactly does it mean to be culturally competent? Though there is no one definition of cultural competence, in nursing it is recognized as being respectful and responsive to the health beliefs and practices of other cultures (US Department of Health, 2016). I had not heard of cultural competence until I was in nursing school. When I was in grade school, people naturally gravitate towards people similar to themselves and form what is called “cliques.” I don’t remember ever being encouraged to go up to and befriend others outside of my circle.  It was not until my sophomore year of college, in Evolution of Nursing Science (NURS 212), that I learned about cultural competence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In NURS 212, I researched Campinha-Bacote’s theory of cultural competence in the delivery of health care. This theory views cultural competence as an ongoing process where health care workers continuously strive to achieve the ability to effectively work with the culture of their client (Campinha-Bacote, 2002). In other words, nurses are never truly culturally competent; there is always learning that can be done. One of the problems with cultural competency in health care is many workers tend to think culture is “monolithic” or traditions and beliefs are unchanged from one person to the next [of the same culture]. This is far from the truth. Two people can identify as the same culture and have similar beliefs, but also have some views that do not compare to the previous person of the same culture. This is why, in health care, it is essential to establish a trusting relationship with my client and ALWAYS ask questions, to better learn their culture, beliefs, and behaviors to serve them better. I have learned that I will never be done learning about someone’s culture, as culture changes with every generation. 

My first experience with cultural diversity was when I began volunteering at the Women’s Enrichment Center. This is a crisis pregnancy center that helps women and their families facing unexpected pregnancies that need a little support. We have clients from all cultures and ethnic backgrounds join our program. Part of my job was to pack the bags of free baby outfits and supplies that clients had earned for the week. There was a biweekly group of Hispanic women come in with our interpreter. These womens’ ages ranged from teenagers to mothers in their later 40’s. Little did I know, the difference in the cultures of these women just from their ages. The younger women (in their teens) were more interested in the “fun” outfits for their babies. The older women only wanted traditional, formal clothing because their families spend most of their week in their Catholic church. They would get very offended if I gave them more costume-like outfits for their babies. This is something I had to learn about these women, even though they did share the same culture, different generations of women practiced their culture very differently. This is the same in health care; an elderly gentleman from one generation might have slightly different beliefs and practices than his young grandchild. Cultural differences and becoming culturally competent is a concept that is vital for me to be able to provide the highest level of care for all of my patients. I must know what my individual patient’s beliefs and practices are to ensure that I achieve that highest patient satisfaction as possible. 

We live in a world where ethnic diversity has become the norm, and we must alter our care accordingly. Though I was taught what cultural competency is while sitting in a classroom, it was not until I was involved in the community that I truly understood what it was. I cannot simply stereotype someone and their cultural or ethical beliefs because of how they look or even what religion they say they are. Everyone practices culture differently. It is crucial for me as a future health care professional to ask those hard questions to understand your client better, creating an improved quality of care and increased patient satisfaction.