As described by Jana Lauderdale, cultural competence is a continuum with extreme humility on one end and extreme openness on another end. It implies keeping close to one’s own beliefs and concepts and being open to what patients may tell you if you ask. In other words, in terms of extreme humility, cultural competence means that the nurse is going to listen to her patients and try to learn from their experiences. She assumes that she may be an expert in her field but not an expert in other people’s lives, perspectives, values, and beliefs. On the other side of extreme openness, the nurse should be highly exceptive of all the types of people against whom the society has certain biases.
During this class, I learned many concepts that will help me become a culturally competent nurse. For instance, I have learned the importance of accepting human diversity in healthcare for human well-being. I am also now developing my perspective on diversity, for which I use retrospection and self-analysis. Culturally inclusive and humble care is the cornerstone for improving patient outcomes since it relieves the burden that the patient may feel due to being perceived as a “non-standard case.” Peoples’ perspectives and cultures are usually formed under the influence of family, age, and gender. It may as well affect the family structure and understanding of aging and gender roles. In end-of-life patients and their families, religion may have a significant influence on the current situation.
As a future nurse, I will do my best to develop extreme humility and openness. After studying this course, I understand the utmost importance of these qualities. Being open and empathetic with patients will help me improve the quality of patient care and future patient outcomes, and will also improve the overall atmosphere. Besides, this course will help me become ready for unexpected situations where cultural competence is indispensable.