Cultural Competence Essay

The United States is gradually becoming more diverse, racially and ethnically (Delphin-Rittmon, Andres-Hyman, Flanagan, & Davidson, 2013; Douglas, Rosenkoetter, Pacquiao, Callister, Hattar-Pollara, Lauderdale, Milstead, Nardi, & Purnell, 2014; Loftin, Hartin, Branson, & Reyes, 2013). However, multiple studies indicate there is a severe lack of health care available to care for this patient population. Inadequate access to healthcare, decrease quality of care, and poor outcomes for individuals with racial and ethnic disparities has become increasingly more evident in the healthcare settings. Culture influence the values and beliefs that individual develop and is the foundation in which each individual form their behavior, lifestyle, and worldview. It is this cultural norm that individuals perceived health, illness, and wellness. To that extent, patient care needs to be individualized and tailor to fit the need of each individual. A challenge that she faces daily
Every patient requires different care, with differing values and beliefs. As a result, healthcare providers will be challenged with ethical dilemmas on the basis of beneficence, nonmaleficence, and social justice. A 67 year old Muslim man is on hemodialysis three days a week. He is deeply religious and ask to be seated along the west wall so that he can face east during his prayers. In addition to accommodating his request, assessments and medications are scheduled around his prayer times. This patient have a strong faith and by integrating his needs in with his care, his spiritual needs are being met. Should the team ignore his request, they would be causing emotional and spiritual distress to the patient. This example from the clinical setting is an illustration of beneficence and