competence for all its clients.
Nurses should be aware that having cultural competence is not the same as being an expert on the culture of a group that is different from their own. A successful encounter may be judged on the basis of four aspects (Brislin, 2000):
1. The nurse feels successful about the relationship with the client.
2. The client feels that interactions are warm, cordial, respectful, and cooperative.
3. Tasks are done efficiently.
4. Nurse and client experience litde or no stress.
Campinha-Bacote (2003) recommends that nurses should
not be fearful of making mistakes, but should internalize and incorporate into their own world view selected beliefs, values, practices, lifeways, and problem-solving skills of other cultures from which they have the most frequent encounters. Box 7-3 provides several points to remember that could be helpful as they undertake the cultural competency journey.