Our patient populations and colleagues will mirror this change. Culture is a tool that defines reality for its members. Within this reality or world view, an individual's purpose in life is defined, and proper, sanctioned behavior within the social group is prescribed. World view is the way individuals or groups look at the universe to form values related to their lives and the world around them. Culture furnishes the beliefs and values that give individuals a sense of identity, self-worth, and belonging, as well as the rules for behavior.
Culture serves two functions.
Incorporation or enculturation facilitates social integration and communication among the group's members. The cancer experience for the patient and family cannot be understood as an objective event separated from its cultural context. Understanding comes from eliciting the cause and meaning of one's cancer-seeking order to the chaos imposed by a cancer diagnosis and the likely changes in one's lifestyles. Cultural competence is defined as being sensitive and responsive to issues related to culture, race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, and sexual orientation. It is care that is provided by nurses who use cultural theory, models, and research principles in identifying healthcare needs, providing care, and evaluating that care.