Culturally competent baccalaureate-prepared nurses
have knowledge of the communication styles of diverse
patients and families; incorporate patients’ health literacy
into care plans and health education initiatives; recognize,
accept, and incorporate nonharmful traditional,
complementary, and alternative practices; and incorporate
patients’ cultural food choices and dietary practices
into individualized care plans. Educational documents,
discharge instructions, and medication and treatment
instructions are translated into their patients’ preferred
languages. Culturally competent nurses are knowledgeable
about the most common diseases and illnesses
affecting the unique population to whom care is provided.
They have the ability to interpret intentional communications
and are aware of cues and customs in
cultural styles different from their own (Pacquiao, 2000).