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Weekly Q&A: Describe cultural competence of professional healthcare staff

HCPro's Weekly Update on the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®*, August 1, 2006

This week, a reader asks for guidance on the written documentation for Force 14 related to cultural competence. Read the response below from our advisor, Barbara Wadsworth, RN, MSN, MBA, CNAA,BC, vice president, patient services at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington, PA.

Q: In my written documentation, how might I describe the ways we support and promote the development of cultural competence in the healthcare staff?

A: Cultural competence is incredibly important in healthcare today. Share an experience that demonstrates your organization's openness to cultural competence and what it means in the organization. The description can be the introduction of a program or a commitment by the organization to develop culturally competent services and staff. Another possibility is to share the results of a survey highlighting the cultural concerns present in your organization and strategies that have been taken to address them.

An organizational strategy to enhance cultural competence that includes a detailed plan (e.g., goals and timelines) is an excellent source of evidence to share. A sample of the diversity education provided to the staff could supplement stories that demonstrate how your staff takes an active role in assisting patients, families, or staff members with cultural sensitivity.

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