Culture, culture shock, and cultural competence are discussed. The author cautions that cultural competence does not require each nurse to be an expert about all cultural groups but rather to be sensitive to practices and demonstrate respect for practices that differ from those of biomedicine or one' s own cultural background. Web resource sites for expanding one's knowledge about health care practices in other cultures are provided. In addition to individual practitioners being culturally competent, it is also necessary for health systems to strive for cultural competence. Knowledge about complementary therapies assists health care workers by expanding their knowledge about the health practices used in many cultures.
Competence extends to all aspects of practice.
Frisch presents an overview of holistic nursing and the standards of care that have been developed by the American Holistic Nurses Association. A collaborative process was used to develop the standards. Many clinical agencies are considering practice guidelines that will guide practitioners in using complementary therapies. Nurses may wish to duplicate or modify the process used by the American Holistic Nurses Association to develop practice guidelines specific to their organization. Core values, knowledge, and skills for holistic nursing are elaborated.