Enhancing cross cultural competencies: A multi-faceted approach

Surprisingly, our program is located in the most racially and ethnically diverse county in the state as well as being considered the third most diverse in the nation by the US, Bureau of Census, 2002. Consequently, our Adult-Gerontological Nurse Practitioner program has been diligent in creating a myriad of opportunities for our students to understand culture, ethnicity, and disparities and how they are inter-related to individuals' perceptions of health and health care. Likewise, emphasis is placed on the providers' recognition of their own beliefs regarding health, wellness, and providers' role in administering health care. Students first ascertain their own cultural competency by completing, among many others the Cultural Competence Health Practitioner Assessment and the Harvard University Implicit Cultural Assessment. Interdisciplinary Health Fairs are conducted for disparate populations that include Russian, Vietnamese, Hispanic, and African American participants. Computer based simulations target culturally sensitive care. Pharmacological lecture material reflects prescribing practices that consider racial and ethnic differences. Students are placed in clinical settings that manage the care of the medically underserved vulnerable adult and older adult populations. Evaluation tools for clinical competence include culture as an expectation utilizing the NONPF cultural competencies as a guide. Students are encouraged to select topics that address the needs of culturally diverse populations for their evidenced-based project. Further, faculty members ensure that selected readings and multi-choice questions for each course as well as the two mock certification exams reflect culturally sensitive items.