Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine whether a course in cultural competency
would impact associate degree nursing students' perceptions of their abilities to
provide care to culturally diverse clients. Ethnographic interviews with nursing
faculty, graduates and students were utilized in course development. The cultural
competency course was evaluated through the use of a pretest-posttest style survey.
The interviews with faculty revealed themes that influenced the cultural competency
course: critical reflection, communication, local cultural and ethnic groups,
community resources, and mentoring. Most graduates and nursing students
demonstrated a need for cultural competency, however those with the most cross-cultural
experience provided the most culturally sensitive descriptions of their nursing
experiences. The survey results confirmed findings from participant observation that
the course positively impacted nursing students' comfort level, knowledge, and
awareness of issues surrounding cultural competency. Based on the results of this
study, recommendations have been made to continue cultural competency education in
associate degree nursing and to add local cross-cultural experiences as a means of
applying what is learned in the classroom.
