Cultural Competency in Practice
Cultural Competency in Practice
School of Nursing, Liberty University
July 9, 2023
When caring for patients with different beliefs, cultures, and value sets, it is crucial to
approach their care with cultural competency and respect. As a healthcare provider, my goal is
to provide patient-centered care that is individualized to the unique cultural backgrounds and
perspectives of each person I treat. In addition, it is important to incorporate a biblical
worldview that emphasized love, compassion, and respect for all individuals regardless of their
cultural beliefs or religious background.
It is essential to recognize and acknowledge the diversity of cultures and the belief
systems within a patient population to give the best possible care. Racial and ethnic minorities
have shown to have unfavorable social determinants of health (Nair & Adetayo, 2019). For this
reason, it is imperative that healthcare systems become culturally competent when caring for
Cultural Competency in Practice
these patients to improve their outcomes and decrease disparities. As a healthcare provider, I
make sure to approach each patient with an open mind, seeking to understand their beliefs,
cultural practices, and values. This includes being aware of their customs, traditions, language,
dietary preferences, and gender specific care giver restrictions.
In addition to being culturally competence, I recognize the importance of developing
effective communication skills. Language barriers can hinder effective communication and
understanding between healthcare providers and patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
To alleviate this, it is important to utilize interpretation services or interpretation technology to
bridge the communication gap. Clear and respectful communication is important to ensure that
patients are actively involved in their care and understand their treatment options and can
make informed decisions.
The principles of love, compassion, and respect are necessary when incorporating a
biblical worldview into patient care. Matthew 7:12 proclaims “So in everything, do to others
what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophet.” The Bible
teaches us to treat others as we would like to be treated and to show love and kindness to out
neighbors. These teachings guide my interactions with patients regardless of their cultural or
religious background.
Caring for patients with different beliefs, cultures, and values requires cultural
competency, respect, and an understanding of their unique perspectives. By embracing
diversity, continuously learning, and incorporating a Biblical worldview, healthcare providers
can provide patient-centered care that respects the cultural, religious, and personal values of
each individual.
Cultural Competency in Practice
REFERENCES
Nair, L., & Adetayo, O. A. (2019). Cultural Competence and Ethnic Diversity in
Healthcare. Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 7(5), e2219.
https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002219
Stubbe D. E. (2020). Practicing Cultural Competence and Cultural Humility in the Care of
Diverse Patients. Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing), 18(1), 49–51.
https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20190041
New International Bible. (2011). Zondervan. (Original work published 1978)
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