Cultural Competence In Nursing

Introduction Cultural competence in nursing refers to our ability to relate to patients within the context of their own cultural values (DeNisco & Barker, 2013). According to Purnell (2005), one aspect of cultural competence is “demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the client’s culture, health-related needs and meaning of health and illness,” (p. 8). Furthermore, cultural sensitivity means the nurse will avoid imposing one’s own beliefs or cultural norms of health or illness onto the patient. This is imperative in our practice for a mutually respectful, trusting, and therapeutic relationship to develop. The nurse practitioner who possesses cultural competence will provide optimal individualized care to every client.
With respect
The article begins with statistical data about the leading causes of illness and death for the Hispanic population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies these as “heart disease, cancer, accidental injuries, stroke and diabetes” (OMH, 2009, para. 7). The practitioner must take into account how each of these may present differently in Hispanics than in other cultural groups, to individualize care planning. The article goes on to describe the most important cultural influences for the Hispanic/Latino which are briefly laid out in the following paragraphs.
Family
The patient of Hispanic or Latino descent will not experience health issues alone. Family is highly valued over and above the needs of the individual in Hispanic culture (Hicks, 2012). Immediate as well as extended family will often be present during each encounter with a health care provider. It is not uncommon for the patient to need extended periods of time to consult with adult family members before making important health decisions.
When hospitalized, the Hispanic patient will likely be doted on by a constant stream of family members. Some close family friends may expect to be treated no different than blood relatives when they visit. The nurse practitioner should not assume that her assessments and other patient interactions with will occur
The patient may give audible and visible signs of agreement, appearing to fully comprehend all that is said. In actuality, imperative questions may not be asked due to deference and respect for the practitioner’s position of authority (Hicks, 2012). If immediate family is not bilingual, it is important to provide properly trained medical translators; preferably, of the same gender as the patient, per Hicks (2012). Conversation may be quite animated as emotional expression is characteristic of Hispanic/Latino families.
The author advises practitioners to engage in active listening, especially when the patient speaks of family, while consciously avoiding the appearance of being rushed. Beginning with friendly “small talk” is also expected in Hispanic culture and helps to develop a more personal relationship (Hicks, 2012). According to Hicks, close physical proximity to the patient and indirect eye contact also show respect during conversation. As a result, the Hispanic client may feel greater trust and confidence in the nurse practitioner and share more important, intimate health information (Hicks,