Authors

  1. Carter, Ashley DNP, RN, CNE
  2. Davis, Shellye MSN, RN, CMSRN
  3. Pierce, Amy MSN, RN
  4. Seibert, Susan DNP, RN, CNE
  5. Butler, Ryan DNP, RN, AHN-BC, HWNC-BC

Article Content

Holistic patient care delivery requires nurses to practice cultural humility. Engaging prelicensure nursing students in investigation of diverse cultures and subpopulation groups enhances cultural awareness and fosters provision of patient-centered care accommodations. An interactive learning activity challenged students to transform perceptions, gain culturally specific knowledge, and envision culturally sensitive care. For the activity, students worked in groups and were instructed to select a culture or subpopulation of focus. Examples of subpopulations included clients experiencing homelessness, clients living with mental health issues, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Using scholarly sources, students created informational brochures highlighting the social organization, religious beliefs, communication preferences, treatment challenges, access to care, health care disparities, and common views regarding health, illness, and end of life. Students listed nursing implications for providing patient-centered care such as identifying health risks, methods for providing culturally sensitive care, and education to promote wellness (see Supplemental Digital Content, Examples, Brochure 1, http://links.lww.com/NE/A985, and Brochure 2, http://links.lww.com/NE/A986). After creating brochures, students led an informal discussion to share acquired knowledge with peers and facilitated a question-and-answer session. Students often shared personal insights and experiences, which further expanded the conversation. Through this activity, students learned the process of investigating cultures and subpopulations, and the value of enhancing cultural awareness and sensitivity to provide patient-centered care.