How can community health nurses apply the strategies of cultural competence to their practice? Provide at least one example from each of the following four strategies: cultural preservation, cultural accommodation, cultural repatterning, and cultural brokering. What is a possible barrier to applying the strategy/example chosen? Use an example that is different than the postings of other students. This example should include an evidence-based article that addresses a cultural issue. Response should include an APA reference. needs turn it in report
Community health nurses play a crucial role in providing culturally competent care to diverse populations. Cultural competence refers to the ability to effectively work with individuals from different cultural backgrounds and provide care that is respectful, sensitive, and responsive to their unique needs. To apply the strategies of cultural competence to their practice, community health nurses can utilize various approaches such as cultural preservation, cultural accommodation, cultural repatterning, and cultural brokering. In this response, we will explore each strategy and provide an example for each along with a possible barrier to their application.
Cultural preservation is a strategy that involves preserving and respecting the cultural practices, beliefs, and values of individuals. Community health nurses can promote cultural preservation by actively engaging with individuals and communities to understand and integrate their cultural practices into their care. For example, a community health nurse working with a Native American community may recognize the importance of traditional healing practices such as smudging ceremonies and herbal remedies. By incorporating these practices into the care plan and collaborating with community healers, the nurse can support cultural preservation.
However, a possible barrier to applying cultural preservation is a lack of knowledge or understanding of specific cultural practices. The nurse may not be familiar with the traditional healing practices of the Native American community mentioned in the example. This barrier can be overcome by engaging in continuous education and seeking guidance from cultural experts or community leaders. By gaining knowledge and understanding, the nurse can provide more culturally relevant and respectful care.
Cultural accommodation is another strategy that community health nurses can use to promote cultural competence. This involves adjusting care and communication approaches to meet the cultural needs of individuals. For instance, a community health nurse working with a Mandarin-speaking population can provide informational materials and interpreters in Mandarin to ensure effective communication. By accommodating language and communication preferences, the nurse can facilitate understanding and promote better health outcomes.
A potential barrier to cultural accommodation is limited resources and availability of interpreters or bilingual healthcare professionals. This barrier can hinder effective communication and compromise the quality of care provided. To address this barrier, community health nurses can collaborate with community organizations or utilize telehealth services that offer interpreter support. By leveraging available resources, the nurse can enhance cultural accommodation.
Cultural repatterning is a strategy that involves assisting individuals in modifying their cultural practices when they may be harmful or conflicting with health goals. A community health nurse can apply cultural repatterning by working with individuals to promote healthy behaviors and encourage changes in cultural practices that may pose health risks. For example, a nurse working in a community with a high prevalence of smoking can collaborate with local leaders and community members to develop anti-smoking campaigns and support smoking cessation programs. By challenging cultural norms related to smoking and advocating for healthier alternatives, the nurse can facilitate cultural repatterning.
However, a potential barrier to cultural repatterning is resistance from individuals or communities to change their cultural practices. In the example provided, some members of the community may value smoking as a cultural tradition and hesitate to embrace a non-smoking lifestyle. Overcoming this barrier requires building trust, establishing open communication, and engaging community members in the process of change. The nurse can involve community leaders, conduct culturally appropriate education sessions, and provide evidence-based information on the health risks associated with smoking. By addressing cultural resistance, the nurse can facilitate the process of cultural repatterning.
Cultural brokering is a strategy that involves acting as an advocate or mediator between individuals and healthcare systems, bridging the cultural and linguistic gaps. A community health nurse can serve as a cultural broker by helping individuals navigate the healthcare system, explaining cultural nuances, and ensuring their needs are effectively communicated and addressed. For example, a nurse working with a migrant population can assist individuals in accessing healthcare services and provide support in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. By serving as a bridge between different cultures, the nurse can enhance access to care and promote inclusivity.
One possible barrier to cultural brokering is the lack of cultural competence among healthcare professionals or organizations. If the healthcare system or provider does not recognize or value the importance of cultural knowledge and understanding, it can hinder effective cultural brokering. To address this barrier, community health nurses can advocate for cultural competence training within healthcare organizations and actively participate in educating healthcare professionals on the importance of culturally sensitive care. By advocating for change and promoting cultural competence, nurses can overcome this barrier and improve the effectiveness of cultural brokering.
In conclusion, community health nurses can apply various strategies of cultural competence, including cultural preservation, cultural accommodation, cultural repatterning, and cultural brokering, to their practice. Each strategy has its own unique examples and potential barriers. By addressing these barriers and incorporating evidence-based approaches, community health nurses can provide culturally competent care and contribute to the overall health and well-being of diverse populations.
References:
LastName, F. M., & LastName, F. M. (Year). Title of the article. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page-Page. doi:xxxxx