The development of cultural
diversity in the nursing practice is a critical process that reinforces a
nursing practitioner’s ethical standards. The process considers the features of
culture and ethnic background in the administration of nursing practice. With
increasing cultural diversity happening in the nursing setting, it corresponds
with the responsibility of familiarizing and understanding the changing needs
of patients. Personally, the ability to achieve cultural diversity in nursing
is a continued learning process where nurses familiarize with cultural
sensitivity and practice in school, develop experiences through engagement and
improve procedures through administrative engagement and research.
Integrating the perspective of
cultural diversity to the Code of Ethics for nurses, there clearly are
correlations between the two. One possible connection comes from the statement
“the nurse is responsible and accountable for individual nursing practice and
determines the appropriate delegation of tasks consistent with the nurses
obligation to provide optimum patient care” (ANA, 2001, p.1). Relating this to
cultural diversity, the ability to promote optimal care, careful consideration
must be made on culture and how they perceive care. In my experience,
identifying the patient’s medical history alongside their preference in the
administration of care is one way to promote both optimum care and cultural
diversity. Similarly, I also recognized the value of communication and
providing awareness to patients about their issues. I have learned that
engagement remains to be critical not only because it helps determine the
approach related to care but also brings forward opportunities for
cross-cultural interaction.
Another code of ethics that I
believe connects with cultural diversity relates to providing inputs related to
shaping healthcare environments. Specifically, ANA (2001) provides that “the
nurse participates in establishing, maintaining and improving healthcare
environments and conditions of employment conducive to the provision of quality
healthcare and consistent with the values of the professions through individual
and collective action” (p.1). This ethical principle is connected to cultural
diversity because it encourages nurses to adapt and incorporate changes within
their standards of practice. Specifically, it highlights the importance of
promoting values that are inclusive and supportive of patient needs. In my
experience, the value of feedback and constant communication with the nursing
administrator opens up possibilities to induce changes. Information coming from
patients can be used as a starting guide to help improve nursing administration
and care. In addition, my engagement with patient in the emergency room is also
critical because we have the first hand interaction with people coming from
various culture and background. Thus, my ability to engage and constantly
provide feedback creates ways to standardize actions that are culturally
sensitive and inclusive.
Expanding further on the necessity
of cultural diversity in the nursing practice, I continue to experience the
changes that are happening in the realm of nursing care. My exposure as an
emergency room nurse has become a valuable way to introduce the concept of
cultural diversity. Each day is an opportunity to recognize and administer care
to people from various cultures and groups. Arguably, my ability to actually
realize the value of cultural diversity came when I was actually interacting
with people. I feel privileged to have the chance to understand cultural
diversity both in the theoretical and practical applications.
In the end, I still believe that
there are numerous opportunities where I can expand my understanding of cultural
diversity. Given that patient needs are continuously evolving, I must remain
responsive to these trends. Likewise, there is a need to equip myself with the
skills essential to be an effective nursing practitioner that is inclusive and
recognizes connections between culture and the proper administration of care.
Moving forward, becoming competent in cultural diversity would enrich my
practice and also create wonderful possibilities in my advancement as a nursing
professional.
References
ANA
(2001). Code of Ethics for Nurses.
Retrieved from
http://www.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/EthicsStandards/CodeofEthicsforNurses
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