Illness and wellness are shaped by various factors including perception and coping skills, as well as the social level of the patient and family. Developing cultural competence is an important component of nursing and can be defined as an ability to understand, communicate and effectively interact with carers across cultures.
Cultural competence can be measured by:
• Cultural awareness – Awareness of one's own cultural worldview, and demonstrating sensitivity in the way you communicate, plan and implement care.
• Cultural knowledge – demonstrating knowledge of different cultural practices.
• Cultural skill – demonstrating culturally appropriate assessment and care planning.
• Cultural encounters – demonstrating respectful and informed cross-cultural relationships with children and young people.