Basic Nursing: Foundations of

Skills & Concepts Chapter 12

CULTURAL DIVERSITY AND NURSING

Culture and Nursing

Nurses provide health care to culturally diverse client populations in a variety of settings.

Knowledge of culturally relevant information is vital in the delivery of competent nursing care.

Culture

Dynamic and integrated structures of Knowledge, beliefs, behaviors, ideas,attitudes, values, habits, customs, languages, symbols, rituals, ceremonies, and

practices that are unique to a particular group of people.

Ethnicity

A cultural group’s perception of itself, or a group identity.

Race

The grouping of people based on biological similarities.

Cultural Diversity

The differences among people that result from racial, ethnic, and cultural variables.

Important Terms in Cultural Diversity

Ethnocentrism: assumption of cultural superiority Oppression: result of ethnocentrism Stereotyping: the belief that all members of a cultural

group act alike Dominant culture: prevailing group within a given

society Minority group: those of fewer numbers Cultural assimilation: the absorption of the minority

into the dominant culture

Components of Cultural

Culture is composed of beliefs about: Activity - how people organize and value work. Social relations - structure of friendships, gender

roles and class. Motivation - the value and methods of achievement. Perception of the world - interpretation of life events

and religious beliefs. Perception of self - refers to personal identity, value,

and respect for individuals.

Characteristics of Cultural

Culture is learned Culture is not inherited or innate, but integrated

throughout all interrelated components Culture is shared by all who belong to the cultural

group Culture is tacit (unspoken) and understood by all in

the cultural group Culture is dynamic

Cultural & Health Care

How different cultures view the following variables affects health care in significant ways.

Definition of health: what is it? Etiology: what are the origins of disease? Health Promotion and Protection: how is health

achieved and maintained? Practitioners and Remedies: who and what can heal

a person?

Cultural Roots

Unlike opinions, preferences, and attitudes, which can change, cultural characteristics are deeply rooted and difficult to change.

Clients reflect their cultural and ethnic heritage every time they interact with the world around them.

Cultural & Racial Influences on Client Care

Culture and race influence client care in the areas of:

Communication

Orientation to Space and Time

Social Organization

Communication

Language differences can lead to misunderstandings and frustration.

Alternative methods of communication, such as flash cards and gestures, may have to be used.

Family members or staff interpreters may also be necessary to intercede.

Orientation to Space and Time

Issues around personal space and future orientation vary from culture to culture and impact the effective delivery of health care.

Social Organization

Social organization refers to how different cultural groups determine rules of acceptable behavior. Examples include: Family Structure. Gender Roles. Religion.

Religion

Culture is influenced by religion, which in turn affects beliefs and practices about health and illness.

Spiritual and religious beliefs are important in many people’s lives. They can influence lifestyle, attitudes, and feelings about illness and death.

Biological Variation

Biological variations distinguish one cultural or racial group from another.

Biological variations include skin color, hair texture, body structure, eye shape, etc.

Enzymatic differences account for diverse responses of some groups to dietary therapy and drugs.

Cultural Aspects & The Nursing Process

Cultural aspects affect all significant areas of the nursing process: assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning/outcome identification, implementation, and evaluation. Some areas are more affected than others.

Personal Cultural Assessment

Five areas to be examined in assessing one’s own culture and the influence it may have on personal beliefs about health care are: Influences from own ethnic/racial background. Typical verbal and non-communication patterns. Cultural values and norms. Religious beliefs and practices. Health beliefs and practices.

Client Cultural Assessment

Six categories of information necessary for a comprehensive cultural assessment of a client are: Ethnic or racial background. Language and communication patterns. Cultural values and norms. Biocultural factors. Religious beliefs and practices. Health beliefs and practices.

Culturally Appropriate Care

Respect clients for their different beliefs. Be sensitive to behaviors and practices different from

your own. Accommodate differences if they are not detrimental

to health. Listen for cues in the client’s conversation that relay

a unique ethnic belief about etiology, transmission, prevention, etc.

Teach positive health habits if client’s practices are deleterious to good health.