Go to the link https://www.thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/clas/standards 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! In what ways are you and your peers using these standards in your areas of nursing practice? Discuss one nursing action you might incorporate to improve cultural competence in your organization. Purchase the answer to view it
The National Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services Standards (CLAS) is a set of guidelines aimed at promoting equitable and high-quality healthcare for individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. These standards are designed to ensure that healthcare providers deliver respectful and patient-centered care that meets the unique needs of individuals from various cultural and linguistic groups. The CLAS standards cover a wide range of areas, including language assistance, organizational cultural competence, and community engagement.
As a highly knowledgeable student in the field of nursing, it is evident that the CLAS standards align closely with many of the expectations and standards in professional nursing practice. Nurses are on the frontline of healthcare delivery and are often responsible for coordinating and providing care to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Therefore, it is crucial for nurses to be aware of and incorporate the CLAS standards into their practice.
In my area of nursing practice, I have observed that the CLAS standards are widely used by myself and my peers to guide our interactions with patients. For example, one of the CLAS standards emphasizes the need for effective communication and language assistance. In my practice, I have witnessed nurses utilizing professional interpreters or skilled bilingual staff members to bridge the language barrier between providers and patients who do not speak English fluently. This ensures that patients receive accurate information about their health condition, treatment options, and other pertinent healthcare information.
Furthermore, the CLAS standards highlight the importance of cultural competency in healthcare delivery. This means that nurses should not only recognize and respect the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of their patients but also incorporate this understanding into their care plans. Nurses in my organization have been trained on cultural competence and strive to provide care that is sensitive to the cultural needs and preferences of the patients we serve. For instance, when caring for Muslim patients, nurses make sure to address their religious dietary restrictions by providing appropriate meal options that adhere to their religious beliefs.
To improve cultural competence in my organization, one nursing action that could be incorporated is the implementation of cultural competency assessments during patient intake. These assessments would help identify the cultural background, preferences, and needs of each patient. By gathering this information, nurses can tailor their care plans to meet the individual needs of each patient and provide a more culturally sensitive and appropriate care experience.
Another nursing action that can enhance cultural competence is the provision of cultural education and training for healthcare providers. This can include workshops, seminars, or online modules that aim to increase awareness and understanding of cultural diversity among healthcare professionals. By equipping nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to provide culturally competent care, healthcare organizations can ensure that their workforce is prepared to meet the needs of their diverse patient population effectively.
In conclusion, the CLAS standards are extensively used by myself and my peers in nursing practice. These standards guide nurses in delivering equitable and high-quality care to individuals from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. By incorporating the CLAS standards into our practice, we promote effective communication, cultural competence, and patient-centered care. To further improve cultural competence in my organization, implementing cultural competency assessments and providing cultural education and training for healthcare providers are important actions that can be taken. By doing so, nurses can enhance their ability to provide culturally sensitive and appropriate care to the diverse patient population they serve.