This week’s graded topic relates to the following Course Outcome (CO). CO6: Plans clinical practice activities that integrate professional nursing standards in accordance with the Nursing Code of Ethics and the ANA standards of practice (PO#6). Go to the link . View the National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services Standards (CLAS) categories aimed at equity and quality care (HHS, n.d.). Notice how these standards overlap with many of the expectations and standards in professional nursing practice!
Introduction
The National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards are a set of guidelines aimed at promoting equity and quality care for individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. These standards are aligned with the professional nursing practice and ethical principles outlined in the Nursing Code of Ethics and the American Nurses Association (ANA) standards. This paper discusses how the CLAS standards overlap with the expectations and standards in professional nursing practice.
Cultural Competence in Nursing Practice
Cultural competence is an essential aspect of nursing practice, as nurses provide care to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. The CLAS standards emphasize the need for healthcare professionals to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services to ensure equitable and high-quality care. Similarly, professional nursing practice acknowledges the importance of cultural competence in delivering patient-centered care.
The first CLAS standard, regarding the provision of effective, equitable, and respectful care, aligns with the nursing profession’s commitment to treating all individuals with dignity and respect. Nurses are expected to be culturally sensitive and respectful of the beliefs, values, and practices of their patients. This principle is also reflected in the Nursing Code of Ethics, which states that nurses should value the uniqueness of individuals and respect their cultural, ethnic, and social background.
Another CLAS standard is the need for healthcare organizations to conduct ongoing assessments of their practices to ensure cultural and linguistic competence. This aligns with the nursing profession’s expectation for continuous improvement and professional development. Nurses are encouraged to engage in self-reflection, identify areas for growth, and engage in lifelong learning to enhance their cultural competence. The ANA standards of practice emphasize the importance of maintaining competence through ongoing education and professional development.
The CLAS standards also highlight the need for effective communication with individuals from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Nurses are required to communicate effectively, both verbally and non-verbally, with their patients to promote understanding and active participation in their care. This aligns with the nursing profession’s commitment to promoting effective communication and patient engagement. The ANA standards emphasize the importance of effective communication in establishing therapeutic relationships and delivering patient-centered care.
Moreover, the CLAS standards emphasize the importance of integrating cultural beliefs and practices into healthcare services. This aligns with the nursing profession’s goal of providing culturally sensitive and individualized care. Nurses are expected to assess and incorporate patients’ cultural beliefs into their care plans. This approach recognizes the significance of cultural diversity in shaping health beliefs and practices and acknowledges the influence of culture on health outcomes.
In addition to cultural competence, the CLAS standards also address linguistic competence. Nurses are expected to provide care that is appropriate and understandable to individuals with limited English proficiency. The CLAS standards emphasize the need for healthcare organizations to provide qualified interpreters and translated materials to facilitate effective communication. In professional nursing practice, nurses recognize the importance of clear and effective communication with patients and advocate for language services when needed to ensure patient understanding.
Conclusion
The CLAS standards and professional nursing practice overlap significantly, emphasizing the need for cultural and linguistic competence in healthcare delivery. Nurses are entrusted with the responsibility of providing equitable and quality care to individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. By adhering to the CLAS standards and integrating them into their practice, nurses can ensure that they are meeting the ethical and professional standards of the nursing profession. Cultural competence not only enhances patient outcomes but also contributes to the overall goal of eliminating healthcare disparities and promoting health equity.