Cultural Competence Assessment Tool Research Articles

Self-reported cultural competence among Czech and Slovakian nurses: A comparative correlation study.

This study aimed to compare the level of cultural competence among nurses working in clinical practice in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Demographic changes have greatly affected the health sector in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. By identifying the level of nurses' cultural competence, many of the complications encountered in caring for patients from different cultures can be avoided. However, few studies have explored the cultural competence of nurses in clinical practice in these countries. This study was cross-sectional, descriptive, and comparative. It followed the STROBE checklist and used the Cultural Competence Assessment Tool questionnaire to collect data. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests were utilized for data analysis, using SASD 1.5.8 and IBM SPSS Statistics version 28.0.0. The sample comprised 424 nurses, with 202 from the Czech Republic and 222 from Slovakia, primarily female. Most nurses in both countries have not received cultural diversity training. Nevertheless, nurses in both countries indicate the necessity of conducting a cultural impact assessment of patients' health. Cultural diversity training significantly increases the level of cultural competence in nurses. Lower cultural competence scores can negatively impact nursing care for patients from different cultures, leading to additional cultural challenges. The findings highlight the need for enhanced cultural competence among nurses. Nurses need to learn and utilize cultural information to help maximize healthcare for patients from different cultures. By providing nurses with cultural knowledge and skills, they will be able to deliver more effective and culturally competent care to patients from varied cultural backgrounds.

Cultural competence of undergraduate student nurses: a multicenter study.

to evaluate the level of cultural competence of an undergraduate nursing students' population from four European higher education institutions. a total of 168 nursing students from four different countries were included in our study. The study methodology involved a cross-sectional assessment of cultural competence among undergraduate nursing students from four European universities. Data collection included sociodemographic variables, as well as the following validated tools: the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale, the Cultural Competence Assessment Tool (student version) and the Cultural Awareness Scale. our results indicated that students demonstrated a high level of intercultural sensitivity but a moderate level of cultural competence and cultural awareness. Variations existed among students from different countries, suggesting potential differences in educational approaches. Despite expectations that higher-level students would exhibit greater cultural competence, no significant differences were found by year of study, indicating a lack of effective integration of cultural competence into nursing curricula. nurse educators should consider the students' cultural competence before designing related study programmes. Training programmes related to cultural competence should include elements which have been associated with enhanced cultural competence, including language skills, cultural encounter, and opportunities for internationalisation.

The development of cultural competences in nursing students and their significance in shaping the future work environment: a pilot study

BackgroundWorking in a culturally diverse environment entails a moral and professional responsibility to provide culturally competent care. This has been recognised as an important measure to reduce health inequalities, improve the quality of care and increase patient satisfaction. The aim of this study was to assess the level of cultural competence in nursing students a decade after the introduction of transcultural nursing content into the nursing curriculum in Slovenia.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional design with 180 s-year nursing students as a convenience sample was used. Cultural competence was assessed using the Cultural Competence Assessment Tool (CCATool) via an online survey. IBM SPSS facilitated statistical analysis, using descriptive statistics and inferential methods, including the chi-square test. Non-parametric tests (Mann Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H and Wilcoxon signed-rank) were used for non-normally distributed data (Shapiro-Wilk test, p < 0.05). The significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.ResultsThe results indicate that students demonstrate a high level of cultural competence, although there is room for improvement in terms of cultural sensitivity, as determined by coding the CCATool. The results also show a remarkable contrast between their self-assessed scores and the objective scores obtained from CCATool coding of the statements in each subscale (p < 0.005). In addition, significant differences (p = 0.002) are found in subscale “Cultural Knowledge” particularly between students who have lived abroad for more than 6 months and those who have not. The latter group has a higher score in the CCATool, indicating greater cultural knowledge.ConclusionsThe study suggests that the presence of transcultural elements in the Slovenian nursing curriculum is associated with higher self-reported levels of cultural competence among nursing students, although the present research design does not allow for causal interpretations. This competence is of immense importance in preparing students for their future professional environment. However, it is crucial to further refine the nursing curriculum, especially through greater integration of transcultural content in all health disciplines. In addition, the introduction of innovative teaching and learning approaches can better prepare students to deal with the diverse cultural experiences they will encounter in their nursing careers.

Establishing an evidence-based cultural competency program with advanced practice providers in a community oncology setting.

199 Background: The United States continues to grow in both population and diversity. The trigger for this project was the dramatic increase in patient diversity in Texas and the lack of adequate cultural competency training for providers at a Texas Oncology clinic network. Clinicians must increase their self-awareness and knowledge to provide culturally competent care. The literature review found multiple educational modalities, across many health care disciplines, used by researchers to improve the cultural competency of health care providers. Methods: This project sought to improve satisfaction and adherence of patients over the age of 25 diagnosed with cancer by increasing provider cultural sensitivity and self-awareness of bias within 1 month of cultural competency training. The project sample was 14 advanced practice providers, 10 APRNs and 4 PAs. The educational plan for this project included an evidence-based course and a follow-up focus group to reinforce learning. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Cultural Competence Assessment tool to compare participants’ anonymous pre- and posteducation with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Qualitative data was obtained during focus groups. Results: The quantitative data indicated that cultural awareness and sensitivity increased following training, with median scores increasing from 6.09 to 6.55, p = 0.03. However, the data do not suggest that cultural competence and behavior changed after training, as median scores went from 3.96 to 4.23 after training, p = 0.06. Overall, the focus group participants agreed about improving self-awareness, identifying biases, improving patient experience by asking more open-ended questions, and being vulnerable. Conclusions: Despite the small sample size, the quantitative and qualitative data suggest that cultural awareness and sensitivity improved following the EBP course and focus group meetings. Cultural competency and behavior did not change according to the data. However, the project implications include improvement in provider knowledge and increased self-awareness, which promote individualized, culturally sensitive care.

Developing the better and effective nursing education for improving transcultural nursing skills cultural competence and cultural sensitivity assessment tool (BENEFITS-CCCSAT)

BackgroundA clear need for the development of new comprehensive, reliable, sensitive and valid measurement tools to adequately asses the cultural competence and cultural sensitivity of nursing students exists. This study aimed to develop a new measurement tool to assess the nursing students’ cultural competence and sensitivity.MethodsThis cross-sectional, instrument development study’s first phase included postgraduate nursing students (n = 60) for the piloting study, and the second one included undergraduate nursing students (n = 459) for the main survey. This study used two data collection forms: The Student Descriptive Information Form and the Better and Effective Nursing Education for Improving Transcultural Nursing Skills Cultural Competence and Cultural Sensitivity Assessment Tool (BENEFITS-CCCSAT) draft. The content validity index was calculated using the Davis method. Cronbach’s α coefficient and the item total correlation were calculated during the reliability analysis. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) coefficient test, Bartlett significance test, and explanatory factor analysis (EFA) were used to evaluate the validity of the assessment tool.ResultsScale validity and reliability analyses showed that the BENEFITS-CCCSAT included 26 items and five sub-dimensions: respect for cultural diversity; culturally sensitive communication; achieving cultural competence; challenges and barriers in providing culturally competent care; and perceived meaning of cultural care.ConclusionThe BENEFITS-CCCSAT appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for measuring the cultural sensitivity and cultural competence of nursing students. This can be of great use, especially before attending clinical areas, and can offer both students and faculty reliable information to promote reflective and critical thinking, especially in areas where improvement is needed.

Psychometric Evaluation of Turkish Version of the Cultural Competence Assessment Tool: CCA-EUnurse Project.

It is important to understand nurses' cultural competency all across the world, as globalization and international migration are increasing day by day. The evaluation of the cultural competence of nurses is necessary to provide better quality and adequate health services to individuals, and to improve patient satisfaction and health outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the "Cultural Competence Assessment Tool". The methodological study was performed to assess instrument adaptation and validity and reliability testing. This study was conducted in a university hospital in western region of Turkey. The study sample consisted of 410 nurses who worked in this hospital. Validity was tested using content validity index, Kendall's W test and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Reliability was tested using item-total and interitem correlations, Cronbach's α coefficient of reliability and test-retest analysis. The results of this research demonstrated that the Cultural Competence Assessment Tool showed a good construct validity, internal reliability and test-retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a construct with four factors showed an acceptable model fit. In conclusion, this study concluded that the Turkish version of the Cultural Competence Assessment Tool is a valid and reliable measurement tool.

Development and validation of cultural competence assessment tool for healthcare professionals, India.

Culture influences an individual's perception of “health” and “sickness”. Therefore, cultural competence assessment of healthcare professionals is very important. Existing assessment scales have limited application in India due to the nation's rich cultural diversity and heterogeneous healthcare streams. This study was undertaken to develop and validate a cultural competence assessment tool for healthcare professionals in India. A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling was conducted following all standard steps among 290 healthcare professionals in India. Item reduction was followed by estimation of validity and reliability. Responses were recorded on a five-point Likert scale, ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. The resultant tool, named Cultural Competence Assessment Tool–India (CCT-I) showed an acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha =0.734). Inter-rater agreement was 81.43%. Face, content, and construct validity were demonstrated. There was no statistically significant difference in cultural competence between the healthcare streams based on years of clinical experience. There was statistically significant difference between streams of healthcare (p-value =0.009) and also between dentistry and Ayurveda groups (p-value = 0.003). This comprehensive tool can be used as the first step toward designing cultural competence training of healthcare manpower and the establishment of culturally sensitive healthcare organizations.

Spanish adaptation and validation of the Cultural Competence Assessment Tool (CCATool) for undergraduate nursing students.

To analyse and validate a contextually adapted version of the Papadopoulos' Cultural Competence Assessment Tool (CCATool) for Spanish undergraduate nursing students. Globalization has driven and intensified international migration. Thus, nurses must treat patients of many different cultural origins. Accordingly, both cultural competence and an appropriate tool with which to evaluate it are required. The CCATool questionnaire was adapted for use in a Spanish context and was evaluated through a questionnaire completed by 262 undergraduate nursing students. Seven days later, the same students completed the questionnaire, without any intervention, and a subgroup of 144 students completed the questionnaire for a third time after taking a course in Transcultural Care. The reliability, sensitivity and stability of the questionnaire were assessed. The reliability of the questionnaire obtained an adequate Cronbach's alpha of 0.81. Stability was assessed at seven days, using the intraclass correlation coefficient, which showed good/excellent results. Moreover, the questionnaire was able to detect the changes related to the nursing educative programme, thus highlighting a good sensitivity of the tool. Cultural competence is an essential element of nurses' education, and instruction in this area should begin as soon as possible. In addition, an appropriate evaluation system is required. For this purpose, the present study describes and analyses a valid, reliable tool for use with undergraduate nursing students in Spain. Health and education policies must be sensitive to the ethnic and cultural differences of the patients who are cared for, and address the situations that cause difficulties in care. Hospitals and health centres must offer good care to patients from diverse cultures, so one of the necessary situations is the training and evaluation of the cultural competence of health professionals.

Validity And Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Cultural Competence Assessment Tool in Nursing Students

Objective: Increased cultural diversity in society like Turkey is becoming increasingly important to give a holistic nursing care to meet cultural requirements. It is important to assess cultural competence in order to provide appropriate care for cultural needs. The purpose is to adapt the Cultural Competence Assessment Tool (CCATool) for nursing students into the Turkish language and to determine its validity and reliability. Methods: A total of 400 nursing students were included in the methodological study in Ankara, Turkey. In the validity study of the CCATool were performed language validity, content validity, construct validity, tool response bias and in the reliability study were performed test-retest reliability and internal consistency analysis. Results: In the content validity analysis the Item Content Validity Index was .91 and the Scale Content Validity Index was .90. The tool Cronbach's α value is .876 and the Cronbach's α values of the sections vary between .706-.821. The scale was determined there is a statistically positive relationship between test-repeat test score averages of the scale. Conclusions: The results showed that CCATool adapted to Turkish is a valid and reliable scale in determining the cultural competence level of nursing students.

Predictors of Hospital Nurses' Cultural Competence: The Value of Diversity Training.

RNs must be culturally competent to facilitate optimal health outcomes for diverse patients and families. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with cultural competence in hospital nurses. In this cross-sectional, descriptive study, the Cultural Competence Assessment Tool was administered to RNs (N = 74) from a 500-bed urban medical center in the southeastern United States. The mean age of participants averaged 40.6 (SD = 11.0) years, and most participants were White (63%) and had encountered more than five (66%) different cultures in their work environment in the prior 12 months. Forty-two percent had received two or more different types of diversity training (M = 1.6, SD = 1.1). Mean score for overall cultural competence was 7.3 (SD = 0.8) on a scale of 0 to 10 (10 = highest possible). Years of education was positively associated with diversity training (r = 0.31, p < .01) and cultural competence (r = 0.25, p < .05). Only diversity training predicted greater cultural competence (β = 0.40, p = .001). Results suggest that diversity training is associated with greater cultural competence. Further research is needed to identify optimal types, dose, and frequency of diversity training to enhance overall cultural competence. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2019;50(10):469-474.].

Behavior, Awareness and Sensitivity of Healthcare Providers in a Multicultural Environment

Background: The healthcare workforce of Saudi Arabia is characterized by diverse cultural backgrounds as a consequence of employment of expatriate workers from various countries. The heterogeneity of both providers of health services and clients resulted to cultural barriers that affected the delivery care. It is paramount to evaluate the cultural competence of the healthcare providers (HCPs) to maintain quality holistic care. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess the cultural diversity experience, cultural competence behavior (CCB) and cultural awareness and sensitivity (CAS) of HCPs in a hospital setting of Saudi Arabia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving survey of HCPs from medical, nursing and laboratory technology disciplines using the Cultural Competence Assessment (CCA) tool. Results: There were a total of 104 HCPs who completed the survey. The characteristics of the respondents resulted to a mean age of 38.7 ±10.4 who were predominantly Asians and nurses. The majority had working experience of 10 years and below, with more than half who had prior diversity trainings. Reported cultural diversity experience included all HCPs caring for Arab Middle Easterners and Asians and encountering at least one or more special population groups. There was an overall high cultural competence (5.28 ±0.46), high CCB (5.84 ±0.56) but only moderately high CAS (4.72 ±0.35). Significant differences were only identified between CCB scores and three demographic variables (racial/ethnic identification, area of discipline and years of experience). No significant result was found between CAS scores and demographic variables as well as between CCB and CAS scores. Conclusions: In spite of high CCB, the HCPs responded with lower CAS scores. Interventions should be initiated to increase CAS such as cultural diversity training and availability of cultural care resources.

Predictors of self-perceived cultural responsiveness in entry-level physiotherapy students in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand

BackgroundEnsuring physiotherapy students are well prepared to work safely and effectively in culturally diverse societies upon graduation is vital. Therefore, determining whether physiotherapy programs are effectively developing the cultural responsiveness of students is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the level of self-perceived cultural responsiveness of entry level physiotherapy students during their training, and explore the factors that might be associated with these levels.MethodsA cross sectional study of physiotherapy students from nine universities across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire containing three parts: The Cultural Competence Assessment tool, Altemeyer’s Dogmatism scale, and the Marlowe-Crowne social desirability scale- short form. Demographic data relating to university, program, and level of study were also collected. Data was analysed using one-way ANOVA, t-tests and multiple regression analysis.ResultsA total of 817 (19% response rate) students participated in this study. Overall, students had a moderate level of self-perceived cultural responsiveness (Mean (SD) = 5.15 (0.67)). Fewer number of weeks of clinical placement attended, lower levels of dogmatism, and greater social desirability were related to greater self-perceived cultural responsiveness. Additionally, fourth year undergraduate students perceived themselves to be less culturally responsive than first and second year students (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThese results provide educators with knowledge about the level of self-perceived cultural responsiveness in physiotherapy students, and the factors that may need to be assessed and addressed to support the development of culturally responsive practice.

Training on the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Interview improves cultural competence in general psychiatry residents: A pilot study.

The objective of this study was to assess whether a 1-hour didactic session on the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) improves the cultural competence of general psychiatry residents. The main hypothesis was that teaching adult psychiatry residents a 1-hour session on the CFI would improve cultural competence. The exploratory hypothesis was that trainees with more experience in cultural diversity would have a greater increase in cultural competency scores. Psychiatry residents at a metropolitan, county hospital completed demographics and preintervention questionnaires, were exposed to a 1-hour session on the CFI, and were given a postintervention questionnaire. The questionnaire was an adapted version of the validated Cultural Competence Assessment Tool . Paired samples t tests compared pre- to posttest change. Hierarchical linear regression assessed whether pretraining characteristics predicted posttest scores. The mean change of total pre- and posttest scores was significant ( p = .002), as was the mean change in subscales Nonverbal Communications ( p < .001) and Cultural Knowledge ( p = .002). Demographic characteristics did not predict higher posttest scores (when covarying for pretest scores). Psychiatry residents' cultural competence scores improved irrespective of previous experience in cultural diversity. More research is needed to further explore the implications of the improved scores in clinical practice.

A Cultural Competence Organizational Review for Community Health Services: Insights From a Participatory Approach.

Cultural competence is an important aspect of health service access and delivery in health promotion and community health. Although a number of frameworks and tools are available to assist health service organizations improve their services to diverse communities, there are few published studies describing organizational cultural competence assessments and the extent to which these tools facilitate cultural competence. This article addresses this gap by describing the development of a cultural competence assessment, intervention, and evaluation tool called the Cultural Competence Organizational Review (CORe) and its implementation in three community sector organizations. Baseline and follow-up staff surveys and document audits were conducted at each participating organization. Process data and organizational documentation were used to evaluate and monitor the experience of CORe within the organizations. Results at follow-up indicated an overall positive trend in organizational cultural competence at each organization in terms of both policy and practice. Organizations that are able to embed actions to improve organizational cultural competence within broader organizational plans increase the likelihood of sustainable changes to policies, procedures, and practice within the organization. The benefits and lessons learned from the implementation of CORe are discussed.

Elements of cultural competence in an Australian Aboriginal maternity program.

Pregnancy, labour and neonatal health outcomes for Australian Aboriginal women and their infants are frequently worse than those of the general population. Provision of culturally competent services may reduce these differences by improving access to timely and regular antenatal care. In an effort to address these issues, the Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice Program commenced in south metropolitan Perth, Western Australia, in 2011. The program employed Aboriginal Grandmothers, Aboriginal Health Officers and midwives working in a partnership model with pre-existing maternity services in the area. To identify elements of the Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice Program that contributed to the provision of a culturally competent service. The Organisational Cultural Competence Assessment Tool was used to analyse qualitative data obtained from surveys of 16 program clients and 22 individuals from partner organisations, and interviews with 15 staff. The study found that the partnership model positively impacted on the level of culturally appropriate care provided by other health service staff, particularly in hospitals. Two-way learning was a feature. Providing transport, team home visits and employing Aboriginal staff improved access to care. Grandmothers successfully brought young pregnant women into the program through their community networks, and were able to positively influence healthy lifestyle behaviours for clients. Many elements of the Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice Program contributed to the provision of a culturally competent service. These features could be considered for inclusion in antenatal care models under development in other regions with culturally diverse populations.

The Cultural Competence of Graduating Nursing Students.

Cultural competence is an essential component in nursing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of cultural competence of graduating nursing students, to identify associated background factors to cultural competence, and furthermore to establish whether teaching multicultural nursing was implemented in nursing education. A structured Cultural Competence Assessment Tool was used in a correlational design with a sample of 295 nursing students in southern Finland. The level of cultural competence was moderate, and the majority of students had studied multicultural nursing. Minority background (p = .001), frequency of interacting with different cultures (p = .002), linguistic skills (p = .002), and exchange studies (p = .024) were positively associated to higher cultural competence. To improve cultural competence in students, nursing education should provide continuous opportunities for students to interact with different cultures, develop linguistic skills, and provide possibilities for internationalization both at home and abroad.

Cultural Competence Among Italian Nurses: A Multicentric Survey

To assess Italian nurses' cultural competence, as they are increasingly called upon to care for people of foreign origins. A cross-sectional, multicentric study. From September 2013 to May 2014, a survey was carried out among Italian nurses. Cultural competence was assessed by the Cultural Competence Assessment tool, translated and adapted to the Italian context. Nurses who completed the survey numbered 1,432; 70.6% were female; 42.6% ranged in age from 41 to 50 years; and 50.0% were bachelor's prepared. More than 50% had participated in some kind of cultural diversity training. Overall, cultural competence was moderate, showing a moderately high level of cultural awareness and sensitivity (mean = 5.41; SD = 0.66) and a moderate level of culturally competent behaviors (mean = 4.33; SD = 1.10). Although Italian nurses' cultural competence was acceptable, given the growing diversity of the patient population, nurses should be better prepared to face the changing health requests. Providing culturally competent care has been associated with improved provider-client communication, higher satisfaction with care, and health status improvement, as full comprehension of health status, adherence to medications and lifestyle recommendations, and appropriate utilization of the health system. Healthcare providers need to be adequately trained to provide culturally competent care. This research provides, for the first time, a report on Italian nurses' levels of cultural competence, and strengthens the current literature underlining the need for continuous education to enhance cultural competence among nurses.

Advancing Cultural Assessments in Palliative Care Using Web-Based Education

Research supports the premise that cultural competence in health care improves care delivery and patient outcomes. Despite efforts to promote patient-centered care and respect for choices across the illness trajectories, cultural considerations of palliative care remain poorly understood. The purpose of the study was to determine if, after completing cultural competence education, registered nurses working in a combined palliative care and hospice unit increased their cultural awareness, sensitivity, and cultural assessment documentation. The study used a quasi-experimental design and took place in a 1070-bed Midwestern hospital. Fifteen registered nurses participated. The intervention consisted of 3 Web-based cultural competence education modules. A preintervention and postintervention electronic chart audit identified 80 charts meeting inclusion criteria. The charts’ cultural assessment data, which had been completed by nurses upon patient admission, were extracted and analyzed. The nurses also completed the Cultural Competence Assessment tool preintervention and postintervention. Analysis of the postintervention data showed the nurses had increased their cultural awareness, sensitivity, and cultural assessment documentation. These findings support the use of Web-based education and show how this format can translate cultural competency knowledge into nursing practice. Providing this education is an important component in creating an environment that provides culturally congruent palliative care.

Cultural competence education for practicing physicians: lessons in cultural humility, nonjudgmental behaviors, and health beliefs elicitation.

Although numerous studies have examined cultural competence training, debate still exists about efficacious approaches to this training. Furthermore, little focus has been placed on training and evaluating practicing physicians. A skills-based course on culturally competent diabetes care was developed and subsequently tested in a controlled trial of primary physicians caring for patients enrolled in one state's Medicaid program. We hypothesized that physicians completing the course would show higher levels of self-reported cultural competence as measured by a Cultural Competence Assessment Tool (CCAT) than those in the control group. Differences in CCAT subscale scores were also compared. Ninety physicians completed the study, with 41 in the control and 49 in the intervention group. Most were female (66%), with an average age of 44, and 12 years in practice. There were no significant differences on total CCAT score (212.7 ± 26.7 for control versus 217.2 ± 28.6 for intervention, p = .444) or subscales measuring cultural knowledge. There were significant positive differences on the subscales measuring physicians' nonjudgmental attitudes/behaviors (subscale score 2.38 ± 0.46 for control versus 2.69 ± 0.52 for intervention, p = .004) and future likelihood of eliciting patients' beliefs about diabetes and treatment preferences (3.11 ± 0.53 for control versus 3.37 ± 0.45 for intervention, p = .014). There was, however, a significant negative difference on the subscale measuring cultural self-awareness (3.48 ± 0.36 for control versus 3.26 ± 0.48 for intervention, p = .018). A predominantly skills-based approach to training physicians did not change aggregate measures of cultural competence, but did affect key attitudes and behaviors, which may better reflect the goals of cultural competence training.

A Comparative Analysis of Cultural Competence in Beginning and Graduating Nursing Students

The ethnic proportions of the population in the United States are rapidly changing, with the nation's minority population at approximately 101 million. This is also true for the West Texas region, where locally in a city with 183,000 residents, 43 different languages are spoken suggesting that cultural education needs to be included in nursing program curricula. Therefore, a study was conducted during a period of curriculum revision to determine if the current nursing curriculum at a public university offers enough education and experience for graduating nurses to care for such a diverse population by comparing their perceptions of cultural competence with beginning sophomore nursing students' perceptions. Participants were asked to complete the Cultural Competence Assessment (CCA) tool in order to evaluate perceptions of cultural competence. Upon analysis of the data, perceptions of cultural competence among graduating nursing students were significantly higher (P = .002) than the perceptions of cultural competence among beginning nursing students. These results support that nursing students perceive that they have become culturally competent during their nursing education, leading to implications of the need for continued education relating to this concept, beginning with the first course and continuing throughout the nursing curriculum.