Dealing With Cultural Diversity In Nursing What is Cultural Diversity?
Cultural diversity encompasses differences in race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, socioeconomic status, and other characteristics within a group, situation, or institution (Wood, 2003). It represents the coexistence of various social groups, which include diverse ethnicities, genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds within a shared social unit. Moreover, it includes the totality of socially transmitted behavioral patterns, beliefs, arts, values, customs, ways of life, and all other products of human work and thought characteristic of a particular population (Purnell & Paulanka, 2003).
Implementation of Cultural Diversity in Nursing Education
Cultural diversity is a complex and multifaceted concept that is essential to nursing education. It is critical for preparing nursing students to deliver competent care in a culturally diverse world. The complexity arises from the different ways cultural diversity can be perceived, whether through representation (such as race, gender, age, or socioeconomic status) or ideology (belief systems aimed at changing attitudes). For instance, diversity or sensitivity training can be used to affirm different sets of beliefs or challenge stereotypes when events necessitate a shift in public perception (Wood, 2003).
Students gain an understanding of cultural diversity by engaging in processes that promote cultural awareness. Common teaching strategies to advance students toward cultural competence include:
- Virtual Patient Encounters: These allow students to apply cultural skills and knowledge to diverse patient populations in a simulated, safe environment (Rutledge et al., 2008).
- Diversity Experiences Outside the Classroom: These can involve activities such as guest speakers or more formal cultural diversity events that encourage students to examine diversity issues and increase their cultural awareness (Ranzijn et al., 2007; Sanner et al., 2010).
- Study Abroad and Immersion Experiences: These experiences promote cultural awareness and sensitivity while decreasing stereotyping (Ruddock & Turner, 2007).
Utilization of Cultural Diversity in Nursing Education
Understanding cultural diversity in nursing education involves three key points:
- Valuing Cultural Diversity by Professional Nursing Organizations:
Organizations such as the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National League for Nursing (NLN) emphasize the importance of diversity within nursing programs. The AACN advocates for more diverse faculty and student bodies to ensure that nursing students develop the cultural competencies necessary to care for patients in an increasingly diverse nation (AACN, 2014). Similarly, the NLN supports creating a “culture of diversity” in nursing programs that goes beyond mere tolerance, embracing and celebrating the richness of each individual’s background (NLN, 2014). The National Advisory for Nursing Education and Practice also stresses the need for more minority nurses in education and leadership roles to develop care models that address the health needs of minority populations. - Limited Increase in Minority Representation in Nursing:
Despite the efforts to promote diversity in the nursing profession, there has been only a slight increase in the number of minority nurses, with the majority of the nursing workforce remaining predominantly White (The Sullivan Commission, 2007). This disconnect between the profession’s stated values regarding diversity and the actual diversity achieved in the workforce is a significant concern, especially given projections that minorities will become the majority in the U.S. population by 2042 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2007). Additionally, the continued increase in immigration and the growth of minority populations in the U.S. highlight the need for integrating diversity into nursing programs and the profession itself (Bednarz et al., 2010). - Responsibility of Nurse Educators to Promote Cultural Competence:
Nurse educators play a crucial role in guiding students toward cultural competence and enhancing their sensitivity to diverse cultural perspectives. Educators must incorporate cultural diversity into their curriculum and clinical practice, preparing graduates to deliver culturally appropriate care to all patients.
Outcomes of Considering Cultural Diversity in Nursing Education
Integrating cultural diversity into nursing education has several outcomes:
- Preparation for Culturally Appropriate Patient Care:
By incorporating cultural diversity into clinical and capstone experiences, nursing programs can better prepare graduates to provide care that respects and responds to the cultural needs of their patients. - Development of Cultural Competence:
Educators must be skilled at facilitating students’ journey toward cultural competence. This involves guiding them through the stages of becoming aware, sensitive, and adept at managing culturally diverse patient populations. - Need for Future Research:
There is a need for ongoing research to evaluate the effectiveness of various learning activities aimed at promoting students’ cultural awareness and competence. Linking these activities to measurable student learning outcomes will help ensure that cultural competence remains a core component of nursing education.
Conclusion
Cultural diversity in nursing education is essential for preparing nursing students to meet the healthcare needs of a diverse population. Implementing strategies that foster cultural awareness and competence helps ensure that future nurses can provide equitable, culturally sensitive care. By valuing diversity and integrating it into all aspects of nursing education, educators can enhance the ability of students to engage effectively with diverse patient populations, ultimately improving patient outcomes and healthcare equity.