Identification of the competency level of cultural awareness for the senior semester baccalaureate degree nursing student

• Main Author: Williams, Teresa L.
• Language: EN
• Published: Capella University 2016
• Subjects: Multicultural Education|Nursing
• Online Access: http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10032415

<p> The study described in this research examined the level of cultural competency of senior baccalaureate-nursing students in a Midwestern metropolitan community in order to promote multicultural awareness among faculty and students. Cultural understanding or perceived cultural knowledge of nursing students may change or vary throughout a nursing program. Developing cultural competency in the nursing student&rsquo;s population is critical to meet the needs of a growing culturally diverse patient population. The study provided nursing academic programs the means to identify and eliminate disparities within the nursing curriculum and clinical environments, thereby increasing culturally diversity and competence. A convenience sample of 87 senior baccalaureate students completed a one-time survey assessing cultural competence, with 10 students participating in a three-question interview session. Results: Quantitative data collected indicated that the academic curriculum for graduating senior level baccalaureate nursing student&rsquo;s provided effective cultural competency (mean CAS score was significantly greater than 5.4) and the baccalaureate level senior clinical setting provided cultural competency experiences for graduating nursing students (mean CAS score for Clinical Practice sub-scale was significantly greater than 5.4). Qualitative data had mixed results with data that positively identified cultural competency for working with a multicultural patient population; however, data also expressed the need for increased curricula material in the didactic and clinical setting in order for the students to be able to achieve cultural competency for working with multicultural patient populations.</p>