NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 5 Practicum and Social Justice

Capella University

NURS-FPX 6025 MSN Practicum

Prof. Name

Date

Practicum and Social Justice

In the course of my practicum experience, I acquired an appreciation for the importance of a multicultural environment and cultural competence as I interacted with and observed individuals from diverse backgrounds within the practice area. A healthcare system that values cultural competence or multiculturalism recognizes the significance of culture, integrates assessments of cross-cultural relations, identifies potential impacts of cultural differences, enhances cultural knowledge, and tailors facilities to address unique cultural needs (American Hospital Association [AHA], n.d.). The necessity of cultural competence in healthcare lies in addressing community health needs and striving to reduce racial, economic, ethnic, and social inequities (Pacquiao, 2018).

The initial step in establishing a culturally competent healthcare environment involves self-awareness of one’s cultural background and experiences, minimizing their influence when interacting with individuals from other cultures. Beyond this, cultural competence requires an understanding of and respect for other cultures, as well as responding to patients in ways consistent with their cultural practices (Pacquiao, 2018).

Culture significantly shapes how clients experience and express emotional distress, influencing how therapeutic interventions address that distress. In practice, Multicultural Care focuses on adapting care processes according to the cultural needs of patients, utilizing cultural competence to build trust and connection. Becoming culturally competent demands a clinical commitment to understanding and being aware of the client’s attitudes, enabling the clinician to empathize intellectually, affectively, and culturally with the client, demonstrating cultural sensitivity, awareness, interest, and commitment to recognizing the client’s culture in the therapeutic relationship (Pacquiao, 2018).

NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 5 Practicum and Social Justice

Research indicates that clients who perceive their therapists as culturally competent experience better therapy outcomes, underscoring the importance of cultural competence alongside clinical proficiency. Cultural competence fosters acceptance and acknowledgment of cultural differences in behavior, appearance, and practices (Abrishami, 2018).

Within nursing, cultural competency refers to the healthcare provider’s ability to deliver optimal medical care services while being cognizant of patients’ cultural beliefs, values, and race. Culturally competent nurses can better empathize with and relate to patients, thereby addressing their needs more effectively. Providing culturally competent care in healthcare facilities requires a comprehensive approach (Douglas et al., 2014).

Nurses bear an ethical duty to respect the cultural beliefs related to health and illness of individuals and groups. This respect, intertwined with culture and cultural competency, extends beyond the boundaries of race and ethnicity, promoting a humanistic and caring approach to individuals culturally different from healthcare providers (Henderson et al., 2018).

Cultural competency is not only an individual and ethical responsibility for nurses but also an organizational obligation. Organizations must establish rules and policies that promote cultural competency within work relations in a practice setting (Henderson et al., 2018).

Leaders in healthcare play a pivotal role in fostering cultural competence among healthcare staff. Leadership characteristics, including expertise and knowledge in culturally competent care, significantly impact the effectiveness of nursing leadership in this regard (Schmidt & McArthur, 2018).

According to the nursing code of ethics, nurses are accountable for providing maximum benefits to patients, avoiding harm, respecting patients’ decisions and choices, and providing equal care irrespective of race, religion, or culture. Reflecting on these ethical principles, nurses provide leadership to adhere to ethical standards while delivering care to patients (Schmidt & McArthur, 2018).

References

Abrishami, D. (2018). The need for cultural competency in health care. Radiologic technology, 89(5), 441-448