Essay on Cultural Competence and Intercultural Communication

When individuals or groups from different cultures communicate, this process is called intercultural communication. The transaction process of listening and responding to people from different cultural backgrounds can be challenging. The greater the difference in culture between two people, the greater the potential of misunderstanding and mistrust. Misunderstanding and miscommunication occur between people from different cultures because of different coding rules and cultural norms, which play a major role in shaping the patterns of interaction (Jandt, 2012). When one encounters a culture that has little in common with own, one may experience culture shock. This is a sense of confusion, anxiety, stress and loss one may†¦show more content†¦Identifying the nursing problems and the skills to be developed in a culturally competent nursing practice is the foundation for culturally competent care. Many cultural norms may influence patients’ beh avior and appearance. Culturally competent nurses need to understand, accept, and respect differences in lifestyle, beliefs, and customs, in order to establish a trusting relationship with patients. As a health-care provider, it is essential that appropriate cultural competency questions are asked, in order to gain information regarding treatment recommendations that that the patient will accept. Some elements that the health-care provider should keep in mind are: cultural, religious, spiritual, or lifestyle, beliefs that may impact the kind of health care the patient wants to receive. Moreover, it is imperative to document these preferences to allow other caregivers to honor them as part of the continuity of cultural appropriateness within the care team (Smedley, Stith, Nelson, 2003). Ethical issues are part of nursing practice. It has been demonstrated that using a support for ethical decision-making by the Code of Ethics enabled the caregiver to advocate for patients. Ope n mindedness, and the persistent desire to learn more are essential features of a culturally competent practice in nursingShow MoreRelatedIntercultural Competence : Understanding The Values Of People, Cultures, And Lifestyles1682 Words   |  7 PagesIntercultural Competence are abilities to adeptly navigate complex environments marked by a growing diversity of people, cultures, and lifestyles, which, in other terms, means abilities to perform effectively and properly when interacting with others that are culturally different than them. (Fantini Tirmizi, 2006). When given the relevance for social and political life, the scope of intercultural competence aims to free people from their own logic in order to engage with others and listen to theirRead MoreIntercultural Mediation in a Postmodern World1717 Words   |  7 PagesThis presentation will focus on mediation and the very notion of intercultural mediator in a postmodern world. 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