What are the methods a nurse can use to gather cultural information from patients?
As nurses we must practice with compassion and respect to everyone we care for without bias or discrimination despite the many differences we may encounter. Treating everyone with respect and empathy, while also acknowledging variances in a non-judgmental way, allows the nurse to collect cultural information to provide competent cultural care. Health care professionals can employ several different methods when gathering important cultural information from clients such as utilizing cultural assessment tools, health history questionnaires, engaging in open dialogue and active listening or keenly observing the clients body language depending on the depth and structure of the assessment being performed (Faulkner et al, 2022).
How does cultural competence relate to better patient care?
Cultural competence allows for a deeper connection with patients and is directly linked to better patient care outcomes. A culturally competent nurse is able to provide care that aligns with the values and preferences of the client, enabling for increase patient-provider trust, leading to better communication thus greater patient adherence and satisfaction (Faulkner et al, 2022). Nurses who practice with cultural awareness, diversity and inclusivity directly combat health disparities pertaining to economic, environmental, and social disadvantages in groups of people experiencing greater obstacles to health (Deering, 2022). By understanding and truly embracing cultural differences we can fully interact, assess, and provide high quality care and create individualized patient centered plans of action.
Discuss the ways in which a nurse demonstrates cultural competency in nursing practice.
The nurse can demonstrate cultural competency in several ways such as becoming self-aware of their own personal cultural preconceptions, as to not impose any bias when caring for others; by continuously engaging in education in diverse cultures, beliefs and disparities to implement in practice; and lastly by utilizing language interpreters or adapting communication styles to meet the needs of the patient they are working with (Faulkner et al, 2022)
Falkner, A., Green, S. Z., & Whitney, S. (2022). Health Promotion: Health & Wellness Across the Continuum. (Second Edition). Grand Canyon University.
https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/1000000000585/epub/Cover.html pp61
Deering J.D., M. (2022) Cultural competence in nursing, NurseJournal. https://nursejournal.org/resources/cultural-competence-in-nursing/.