The Challenge of Cultural Diversity for Nurse Educators

By the year 2000, one in every three Americans will represent an ethnically diverse cultural group. Nurses are awaking to the critical need to become more knowledgeable and culturally competent to work with individuals from diverse cultures (Leininger, 1994). However, teaching cultural awareness in nursing education can present a major professional challenge for nurse educators. This article discusses cultural competence and presents a conceptual model of culturally competent health care. Based on this model, the article also discusses the implementation of a four-session cultural diversity program in a rural hospital setting.