Nurses' experiences in caring for patients from different cultural backgrounds

Abstract

This paper describes an exploratory research study that investigated nurses' experiences in caring for culturally different patients. The aim was to highlight any problems encountered by nurses delivering care to these patients. Data were gathered through interviews with seven nurses in an informal setting. It was found that they shared similar experiences and problems that hindered safe and effective care. A recurrent issue raised was the problem of language barrier, exacerbated by a lack of knowledge of the patient's culture. Holistic care was not, therefore, possible, so participants felt they were unable to deliver a high standard of care. The study suggests that there is a need for post-registration courses to address the issues of different cultures, health beliefs and practices. It is hoped that these findings will increase healthcare professionals' awareness of how best to care for culturally different patients. It is not suggested that nurses ought to have expert knowledge about all ethno-cultural groups but, rather, that they have an awareness of cultural flexibility and accept and understand each patient as an individual.