Meeting the Challenges of a Global Society: The Power of Culturally Responsive Nurses

Description/Overview: As our society becomes more global, nurses must be cognizant of unique cultural beliefs and practices related to health. Nurses can have a significant impact on health disparities and access to care, and must learn to use each health care encounter as an opportunity to make a difference. This interactive session invites audience participation to explore similiarities and differences in patterns of communication, health beliefs and practices, and role expectations of the nurse in a global society. The meaning of health and respect, as well as "cultural etiquette" and "taboos" will be discussed, including gender, touch, modesty, personal space, eye contact, tone of voice, silence, saving face and social hierarchy. The focus will be on developing self-awareness and culturally responsive skills to convey caring and respect, and to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds. Participants are given ideas for teaching and planning care for specific groups within the cultural context of their bioscientific, holistic, or magico-religious belief system. Real-life experiences of cultural health encounters and lessons learned will be presented. Participants will come to understand the influence of culture on health beliefs and practices, and the value of culturally responsive nursing to all populations.