What Is Cultural Diversity In Nursing

Culture is the collection of attitudes, knowledge, and behavioral patterns that are shared and passed on by members of society (Engebretson, n.d.). it is something that is learned rather than genetically inherited. Culture affects people’s perception of health and illness. In this post, I will define cultural diversity. As well as identify some benefits of a diverse workforce and barriers to diversity in the nursing profession. Furthermore, I will describe how my own diverse cultural background affects the nursing care I provide.
Cultural diversity is when differences in race, ethnicity, language, nationality, and religion are represented within a community (Andrews & Boyle, 2016). It refers to demographic differences of one group. Healthcare
In order to provide culturally competent and sensitive care, healthcare providers need to be aware of cultural differences. Culturally competent healthcare providers constantly work to develop awareness of cultural norms (Carteret, 2014). Cultural competence has been recognized as the main strategy in avoiding racial and health disparities, however, besides healthcare providers, the whole organization must be aware of cultural diversity. Patients are more likely to accept care and return for services when the care is delivered within a culturally competent organization (Andrews & Boyle,
Some of the barriers to diversity in the nursing profession are that cultural diversity can also weaken a group. One of the major barriers to diversity in the nursing profession is that students from minority groups are not admitted to nursing, medical, pharmacy, and other health-related professions (Andrews & Boyle, 2016). Educational cost is on the rise and unavailability of financial aid negatively affects students from minority groups, as they cannot afford school (Andrews & Boyle, 2016). Negative behavior in the workplace such as hatred, racism, and discriminations also serve as barriers to diversity in nursing profession (Andrews & Boyle, 2016). Differences in interpretation can lead to miscommunication and hostility. Prejudice about people of different cultural background can also lead people to jump to conclusion. Another barrier to diversity in the nursing profession, or any other for that matter, is that managers may choose people for leadership positions that are more similar to them, instead of for a person from a minority group (Andrews & Boyle,