Upon entering the program, I perceived nursing as an easy and secure profession, given the high demand for nurses. I believed that a nurse's sole responsibility was to provide care and comfort to patients. However, as I proceeded with the program, I realized that it required a broad variety of expertise, such as knowledge, skills, and abilities. My values in nursing emphasize the need to have the ability to understand and manage complicated medical situations, interact with interdisciplinary teams, and navigate the healthcare system while also giving patients compassionate care. Hence, the ability to learn and master these essential skills is crucial for ensuring positive patient outcomes, delivering high-quality care, improving efficiency, …show more content…
According to Leininger's theory, culture is an established pattern of behavior of an individual that develops over time to attempt and satisfy their fundamental needs (Alligood, 2021). The concept acknowledges that there are both cultural differences and similarities and that healthcare professionals must be able to appreciate cultural diversity while also understanding fundamental human needs and values. Leininger's theory is based on principles that appreciate variety, cultural sensitivity, and cultural competence. Cultural sensitivity refers to being sensitive to one's cultural prejudices and how they could affect patient care, as opposed to cultural competency, which entails understanding other cultures and how they influence health care. I believe that diversity in cultural care is essential in nursing because it enables nurses to deliver culturally competent care, which can enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction. Also, it promotes compassion, empathy, and effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients from various backgrounds, improving everyone's experiences with …show more content…
For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the impact of cultural beliefs and practices on healthcare decisions. Although nurses work as frontline healthcare workers, having to interact with various communities, there is little written about culturally competent education in times of emergency like pandemics (Slobodin et al., 2021). For instance, some cultural groups may hold particular views about healthcare that differ from those of Western medicine, which may affect how they react to COVID-19. Culturally competent nurses can assist patients in making healthcare decisions that are consistent with their cultural values by comprehending and respecting these beliefs. Furthermore, having a strong connection with the patient and developing a sense of trust can improve communication and result in better care. Ultimately, nurses must be culturally competent during the pandemic to make sure that every patient feels heard, respected, and supported throughout their healthcare