Compare and contrast cultural competence and cultural sensitivity used in health care settings by professional staff. Provide one specific example each for cultural competence and cultural sensitivity that could be applied in your chosen advanced nursing role. Expectations Initial Post: de Chesnay, M., & Anderson, B. (2020). Caring for the vulnerable: Perspectives in nursing theory, practice, and research (5th Ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett. ISBN: 9781284146813 American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
Cultural competence and cultural sensitivity are two important concepts used in health care settings to ensure that professional staff can effectively provide care to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. While both concepts aim to enhance patient-centered care and eliminate health disparities, they differ in their approaches and implications.
Cultural competence refers to a set of attitudes, knowledge, and skills that enable health care providers to understand and effectively respond to the unique cultural beliefs, practices, and needs of their patients. It requires a deep understanding of different cultural practices, values, and norms to provide culturally appropriate care. Cultural competence goes beyond basic cultural awareness and involves actively incorporating cultural knowledge into clinical practice to ensure that care is respectful, effective, and relevant to each patient’s cultural background.
One specific example of cultural competence in advanced nursing roles is the use of language services. In a multicultural society, nurses may encounter patients who do not speak English as their primary language. To provide culturally competent care, nurses should ensure the availability of qualified interpreters or translation services. This can involve using professional interpreters, bilingual staff members, or telephonic or video interpreting services. By providing language access, nurses can effectively communicate with patients, understand their concerns, and provide appropriate care that respects their cultural values and preferences.
On the other hand, cultural sensitivity refers to being aware and respectful of cultural differences without necessarily having in-depth knowledge about specific cultures. It involves recognizing and accepting that cultural diversity exists and acknowledging the impact of culture on health beliefs and practices. Cultural sensitivity encourages health care professionals to approach each patient with an open mind and a willingness to learn about their cultural background. It enables professionals to provide care that is tailored to individual needs and preferences by incorporating cultural considerations into their practice.
A specific example of cultural sensitivity in advanced nursing roles is recognizing and respecting dietary preferences and restrictions. Many cultural and religious beliefs influence dietary choices and restrictions. Nurses can demonstrate cultural sensitivity by being aware of common dietary practices and restrictions of different cultures and offering appropriate dietary choices to patients. For example, a nurse working in a hospital setting may ensure that patients who follow a vegetarian diet for religious or personal reasons are provided with suitable meal options.
In summary, cultural competence and cultural sensitivity are both important concepts in health care that aim to improve patient care for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Cultural competence involves a deeper understanding of different cultures and the ability to incorporate cultural knowledge into practice. Cultural sensitivity, on the other hand, focuses on respecting and acknowledging the impact of culture on health beliefs and practices without necessarily having extensive knowledge about specific cultures. A specific example of cultural competence in advanced nursing roles is the use of language services, while an example of cultural sensitivity is respecting dietary preferences and restrictions. By promoting cultural competence and cultural sensitivity, health care professionals can provide patient-centered care that respects diversity and reduces health disparities.