Cultural competence is “a process for addressing disparities, based on race, ethnicity, and culture” (Isaacs et al., 2005, p. 5). Nurses must be culturally competent to provide effective and therapeutic care for patients.  It is part of a holistic treatment process.

  1. How does culture shape an individual’s view of mental health?
  2. Discuss why culture competence is important to nursing.
  3. What steps can a nurse take to be culturally competent?