The Importance of Cultural Competency in Nursing - Coursework Example

The Importance of Cultural Competency in NursingCultural competence is basically achieved through a health provider obtaining essential cultural information about a certain community, then apply the very knowledge when handling the patients. For a nurse to be culturally competent, he needs to always understand the views of the patient and compare them with his theoretical views. This shall enable the nurse to avoid stereotyping patients and misusing the scientific concepts on various health conditions.

Cultural competency, therefore, allows a nurse to have a broader view of the community and improve the quality of health services offered to the individuals. A nurse needs to move very fast and adapt the culture of the community he works with. This move requires flexibility and interest in the culture. The cultural awareness of the nurses helps them to come closer and listen to the patients themselves in finding out more about their conditions. This is how cultural competency aids the evidence-based practice (Bazron, 2002).

For instance, a nurse who has been relocated to a community that does not speak his language has to first learn the language spoken by the community as this will help him in talking with and understanding his patients. Cultural competency also plays a great role in health education and promotion. Different societies have different cultural beliefs on the causes of various diseases. It will, therefore, be necessary for the nurse know and understand such misleading beliefs before disapproving them to the public.

The knowledge of the native language will facilitate the communication during health education. Through cultural competency, a nurse gets to know how cultural practices and behaviors affect the health of the community. For example, some communities believe in the culture of having many children. A nurse will have to understand this culture before offering education on family planning.ReferenceBazron B. (2002). Towards a Culturally Competent System of Care. Washington DC: Georgetown University.