Introduction
Cultural competence, respect, and tolerance receive priority in nursing care nowadays. It is related to globalization and the fact that people become more mobile. Due to the process of globalization, the countries and nationalities become closer the nurses should be flexible and be able to cooperate with the individuals of any culture, race, or religious beliefs. The primary objective of the paper is to evaluate the significance of cultural competence in the work of a nurse and to provide information regarding personal experience in overcoming difficulties.
Understanding Cultural Competence
The cultural peculiarities affect the outlook of the person and the way the individual functions in the team (Dayer-Berenson, 2011). The cultural diversity is not a new phenomenon in the sphere of health care. Cultural competence is centered on the fact that people are different, and their beliefs and values can be different as well. Understanding, respect, and tolerant attitude towards the patients of any cultural group are vital aspects regarding the work of nurses (Jeffreys, 2016).
Personal Experience
The most widespread cultural barriers are related to stereotyping, racism, and discrimination. From my personal experience, I would like to state that every person is unique. The religious beliefs, race, or cultural differences should never be an obstacle to providing high-quality care. The fundamental task of health care providers is to help every person no matter the differences. I do not profess to be an expert regarding the subject, but I am strongly convinced that these differences make us unique. Culture and religion were formed over the centuries. The person who shares it, respect the ancestors. Can it ever be the reason for discrimination? Interacting with the patients of different nationalities contributes to the extension of the world outlook, which can be considered as the perfect experience, especially in the time of globalization process. I am open to meeting new people and interacting with them. The ability to communicate with the person of other nationality contributes to the process of self-development.
Being a nurse, my primary task and obligation are to make sure that every person will get appropriate help. Stereotypes and discrimination provoke aggressiveness and violence, and I suppose these terms could never be associated with the health care industry. Life is the biggest gift that the human being has, and the major task of nurses and physicians is to make sure that it will be saved and protected. The society should get rid of the stereotypes and prejudice as these concepts are unacceptable in modern society, especially in the sphere of medicine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it should be pointed out that the role of cultural competence in the work of a nurse should not be undervalued. The globalization process affects all the aspects of life and activity of the individual, the sphere of health care is not an exception. Every person deserves a respectful attitude no matter the race, skin color, or religious beliefs. Tolerance and respect should become the guiding powers. These elements will be beneficial for the improvement of the system of health care. I did not have barriers to cultural competence as I am sure that every person is unique, and the life of a human being is in priority and of the biggest value.
References
Dayer-Berenson, L. (2011). Cultural competencies for nurses: Impact on health and illness. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.
Jeffreys, M. (2016). Teaching cultural competence in nursing and health care: Inquiry, action, and innovation (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.