Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Nursing
Advisor
Maria Ojeda
Abstract
Registered nurses entering the workforce with baccalaureate of science degrees in nursing (BSN) are expected to be knowledgeable and skilled in planning and caring for multicultural patients, but there is little information on what experiences new nurses have in implementing culturally competent care. The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study, guided by the Campinha-Bacote process of cultural competence in the delivery of health care services model, was to understand the lived experiences of BSN graduates with one year or less experience in implementing cultural competence in planning care for their multicultural patients. The research question directly addressed this purpose. Ten participants were interviewed using one-on-one, open-ended interviews. Coding and thematic analysis was conducted using Colaizzi’s process to analyze and interpret the data. Key findings were that BSN nurses practicing one year or less had (a) multidimensional views of cultural competence, (b) acquired cultural knowledge through experience, (c) believed open communication was essential to implementing cultural competence, and that (d) cultural accommodation was provided through advocacy. Thus, the nurses were able to use methods that over time increased their awareness, knowledge, skill, desire, and encounters of cultural competence. The results of this study can be used to inform academic institutions and health care organizations to ensure clinical experiences that develop cultural competence prior to graduation. Improving cultural competence among new graduates can prevent inequities in health care and support patient safety, supporting positive social change.
Recommended Citation
Daniels, Judith A., "Experiences of BSN Graduates Integrating Cultural Competence when Caring for Multicultural Patients" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 12669.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/12669
