Cultural competence - Essay Example

Cultural competence al affiliation Cultural competence Cultural competence is an imperative ongoing process in nursing thatneeds to be embraced and understood in addressing patients. The world has become small as people from myriad ethnicity and cultures have intermingled. As a result, nurses acquire skills and knowledge that refine their cultural competence in the workplace. Cultural preservation ensures that nurses utilize cultural practices that are backed, scientifically, alongside biomedical system (Jeffreys, 2010).

Acupuncture and acupressure are examples of cultural preservation where nurse use scientifically supported practices in treating patients. Cultural accommodation strategies include covering baby’s head and burial of the placenta among others. The aforementioned strategy aims at facilitating cultural practices that are yet to be scientifically harmful. Nursing professionals advocate acknowledgment, respect, and understanding of diverse cultural beliefs. Secondly, cultural re-patterning entails working with the client in order to adjust existing cultural practices.

For instance, fried foods from various cultures, abuse of a spouse, and teas for a healthy baby are some practices under cultural re-patterning. If a patient domiciles from a tribe that advocates the use of herbs, a nurse needs to convince the patient to desist from using herbs by quoting different herbs that have adverse impacts. Finally, cultural brokering entails encouraging and mediating between cultural norm of clients and the biomedical structure (Huber, 2009). Accommodation of a vast range of cultures facilitates in gaining the desired knowledge and competence.

There are various challenges facing cultural competency in the nursing perspective. For instance, stereotypes, racism, and discrimination are some of the hiccups that are prevalent. However, nurses are encouraged to approach clients in a professional manner while addressing their problems (Jeffreys, 2010). Therefore, nurse-patient relationship is of vital importance in the administration of effective health care for patients with diverse cultural background. ReferencesHuber, L. M. (2009). Making community health care culturally correct.

American Nurse Today, 1-5.Jeffreys, M. R. (2010). Teaching Cultural Competence in Nursing and Health Care. New York: Springer Publishing Company.