Often members of the same culture are paired with a resource person, another staff member who is available to assist in navigating the system. Saffer believes that being aware of cultural differences, listening to, talking with, and assisting staff to be aware of and deal with these differences all play a large part of nurse managers' roles in promoting cultural competency among coworkers. When it comes to culture, there is no right or wrong, there are differences that need to be understood, accepted, and appreciated. Claudia Carron, RN, MSN, CNA, nurse manager, adult ambulatory care services and the mobil health unit, Saint Peter's University Hospital, agrees with Saffer and says that managers must rise to the challenge of helping staff look objectively at cultural differences and realize that while we all come from different perspectives, we are working for the same healthcare goals. Looking at things from the perspectives of others is an educational opportunity for managers which opens up the world to us and enables us not only to manage better but to live in our diverse society.
Continual dialogue encourages an attitude of acceptance.
At staff meetings, Saffer encourages discussions of journal articles about cultural competency as well as real-life incidents that occur on the unit with clients and staff. Lorraine Steefel, RN, MA, is a contributing editor for Nursing Spectrum.