N109: Foundations in Nursing Practice

N109: Foundations in Nursing Practice Study Guide

Chapter Six: Culture and Diversity Learning Objectives 1. Define culture, ethnicity, and race. 2. Discuss factors that influence culture and diversity. 3. Describe tools the nurse can use to assess culture and diversity. 4. Using the nursing process, develop a plan of care that takes into account cultural diversity. 6.1 Definition of Concepts • Culture: Culture refers to the nonphysical traits of a group that are based on values, beliefs, patterns of behavior, customs, traditions, rituals, ceremonies, and language that are handed down from one generation to another. • Ethnicity: Ethnicity refers to the state of belonging to a social group that has a common national or cultural tradition. This shared identity may be expressed and recognized through religious practices, language, social institutions, dress, and political customs. • Race: Race refers to the major biological divisions of humankind, having distinct physical characteristics, such as color of skin, color of hair and eyes, blood groups, and other genetic factors. A race does not necessarily share the same culture or ethnicity; the three terms should not be confused when dealing with individuals. • Cultural diversity: Cultural diversity refers to the variety of the makeup or the multiculturalism of a group or organization or region. This diversity may include the various different social structures, belief systems, and strategies the cultures use for adapting to life situations in various parts of the world. The differences in race, language, ethnicity, value systems, religion, and local cultures that make up various groups in a community also account for the diversity. • Stereotypes: Stereotypes are standardized and simplified conceptions of groups based on some prior assumptions. Stereotypes may be accurate or inaccurate and, in healthcare, may result in misperceptions and mistreatment. For example, if the nurse believes that all Asians are stoic, the nurse may not properly assess and treat pain. • Ethnocentrism: Ethnocentrism refers to the belief in the superiority of one’s own ethnic group. Ethnocentrism may cause the nurse to under or over treat another ethnic group. • Cultural competence: This refers to the nurse’s ability to interact effectively with people of different cultures, and from different cultural/ethnic backgrounds. Cultural competence is composed of: o Awareness of one’s own cultural world view o Attitude towards cultural differences o Knowledge of different cultural practices and worldviews o Cross-cultural skills In order to provide culturally competent care, the nurse must be aware of all four areas. • Acculturation: Acculturation is the process of adopting the cultural traits or social patterns of another group as a result of prolonged contact with them.

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