Perceived Effectiveness of Cultural Competence Training by Nursing Students Caring for Refugees

Abstract

Providing culturally competent care is a vital component of the nursing profession to improve patient outcomes by overcoming cultural barriers in an ever-changing global environment. Research shows cultural competency education that includes self-assessment, cultural knowledge, and cultural sensitivity training can improve the use of cultural competency practice for nurses. In this study, an educational cultural competency intervention including self-assessment, training module, and clinical rotation was developed and implemented for baccalaureate nursing students with the goal to increase the students' perceived knowledge and use of cultural competence when working with refugee populations. Thirty-two participants completed a clinical rotation at a primary care clinic serving refugee populations in the Atlanta area between January and March 2017.Results indicate the intervention was effective in increasing self-perceived knowledge and utilization of culturally competent practice, reaffirming the perceived benefit of cultural competence education for baccalaureate nursing students.