Proficient Nurses' Reports Regarding the Level of Cultural Competence Used in the Care of Diverse Patient Populations in the Hospital Setting

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore the reports of proficient nurses (Benner, 2001) regarding the level of cultural competence (Campinha-Bacote, 2002) used when delivering care to diverse patient populations in the hospital setting. Campinha-Bacote's (2002) model of cultural competence was used as the framework to examine this research problem.;A quantitative study utilizing an on line survey was conducted to determine the overall level of cultural competence as well as the levels of cultural awareness, cultural knowledge, cultural skill, cultural encounters and cultural desire. The data revealed that the majority of respondents 58.52% ( n = 17) reported they are culturally aware while 41.38% ( n = 12) reported they are culturally competent. No respondents reported they are culturally incompetent or culturally proficient. Data further indicated that proficient nurses recognize the limitations of their cultural competence and will seek out education, consultation and/or training experiences to enhance their understanding and effectiveness.;As a result of the data from this study, health care settings should provide on-going educational opportunities in the area of cultural competence. Future quantitative survey could examine gaps in knowledge of proficient nurses related to racially/ethnically diverse groups that may provide areas of ongoing education and training. Furthermore, future qualitative research including focus groups and action research could examine the effectiveness of ongoing education/training in cultural competence of proficient nurses and its impact on patient outcomes.