Cultural competence of practicing nurses entering an RN-BSN program.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this exploratory research was to examine the cultural competence of practicing nurses entering an RN to BSN program.


BACKGROUND
As nonwhite populations increase in the United States, the cultural competence of nurses increases in importance. With 38 percent of baccalaureate nursing students in RN-BSN programs, it is important to examine the cultural competence of this population.


METHODS
Fifty-three RN-BSN students completed the Inventory for Assessing the Process of Cultural Competency Among Healthcare Professionals-Revised (IAPCC-R) upon program entry; 50.9 percent were culturally competent as determined by the tool.


RESULTS
A strong correlation existed between IAPCC-R scores and student age, with students 20 to 30 years old scoring significantly higher than those in the age range of 41 to 50.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest and invite more extensive research on the success of the systematic nursing education initiatives of current associate degree programs and adherence to NLNAC standards for cultural competence, particularly in the cultural skill construct.
Saguaro Home Health, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. dee_riley@cox.net
Dierdre
D
Riley
Tish
T
Smyer
Nancy
N
York
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D003469:Culture; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015402:Nursing Education Research; D016746:Transcultural Nursing / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards*; D055815:Young Adult