Relationship between nurses’ cultural competence and observance of ethical codes

Abstract

Background Cultural competence is considered as one of the main skills of nurses enabling them to provide nursing care for those with different cultures. One of the cases related to nurses’ cultural competence is observance of ethical codes, but it has not been investigated sufficiently in studies. Aim This study has been conducted to determine the relationship between nurses’ cultural competence and observance of ethical codes in practice. Research design This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in 2020. Sampling was done at several stages. The data were collected using questionnaires of demographic information, cultural competence, and observance of ethical codes as self-report. The questionnaires were provided to the subjects by the corresponding researcher and the data were analyzed using Pearson correlation test. Participants and research context This study was done with participation of 267 nurses working in four training hospitals located in northwestern Iran and 16 head nurses of selected wards. Ethical considerations The study was approved by Human Ethics Committee of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences. Participation was voluntary. Consent was obtained and confidentiality kept. Findings The results of Pearson correlation coefficient test showed a positive and statistically significant relationship between cultural competence and observance of ethical codes (r = 0.524, p = 0.001). In addition, cultural competence and observance of ethical codes by most nurses were at a moderate level. Conclusions The results of the present study showed a significant relationship between nurses’ cultural competence and observance of ethical codes. Therefore, it can be concluded that by strengthening the level of nurses, the level of observing ethical codes by them can be increased. Cultural competency and observance of ethical codes are important components of nursing care, and their development can improve nursing care delivery to clients through academic training, hidden curriculum and in-service education.

Clinical nurse adherence to professional ethics: A grounded theory

“…In common with some studies, the results of this study show that nurses can improve ethical compliance through self-improvement, reflection and warning themselves with past mistakes. 41 Interestingly, participants indicated that if the patient's interests were compromised due to themselves or others in the healthcare team, they would not act strictly in accordance with professional ethics in order to protect themselves and their team, but they would try to compensate in other ways, such as offering to comfort the patient, being more tolerant of the patient and providing more discreet professional services. In this way, they gain a psychological balance and do not develop a negative attitude toward observing professional ethics in the future.…”

Cultural Competence in Nursing Care

“…Discovering the cultural norms, values, beliefs, and practices of the patients being cared for helps in ensuring that they are provided with care that is tailored to their cultural needs 8,33 …”

“…This can be accomplished by developing self-awareness about cultural differences and how it can promote care provided. 33 Skill Abilities include the capability to cultivate a self-awareness of the cultures present in one's workplace and care setting, as well as the participation in the collection of patient data during admission, with the goal of educating oneself on the cultural values of patients and ensuring that those values are consistently promoted. 35,36 Encounter To be practically involved with patients in the things that correspond to their culture by picking an interest as interaction improves confidence, knowledge, and skills.…”

“…Engaging in personal development activities such as studying and gaining information through research, asking a patient about their culture and their preferences during admission, and documenting such details in their clinical notes to inform the MDT about the preferences can help a person develop a self-understanding of cultural differences and how it can promote care provided. This can be accomplished by developing self-awareness about cultural differences and how it can promote care provided 33 …”

“…32 Learning Cultural Norms Discovering the cultural norms, values, beliefs, and practices of the patients being cared for helps in ensuring that they are provided with care that is tailored to their cultural needs. 8,33 Being Aware of Own Culture According to Kaihlanen et al, 8 training that makes nurses more aware of the ways in which their own culture influences their behaviors was found to be both beneficial and thought-provoking. A higher level of awareness might make it easier for nurses and patients to communicate with one another, which is an essential component of providing high-quality, patient-centered care.…”