Impact of Cultural and Linguistic Competence

Running head: IMPACT OF CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC COPETENCE 1
Cultural and Linguistic Competence
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IMPACT OF CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE 2
Table of Contents.
Abstract.................................................................................................................................. 3
Introduction........................................................................................................................... 4
The National CLAS............................................................................................................... 5
Cultural Competence............................................................................................................ 9
Linguistics Competence...................................................................................................... 10
Effective Communication................................................................................................... 11
Conclusion........................................................................................................................... 13
References............................................................................................. 16

IMPACT OF CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE 3
Abstract
The principle intent of this report is to explore the effects of cultural and linguistic
competence in nursing practice and delivery of health care services. Nursing has been an
evolving occupation for over the past few years, and their role has increasingly been defined.
Some of the essential qualities that are crucial for nurses today are cultural and linguistic
competence and effective communication. Moreover, the study will analyze the several
interventions that will be used in eliminating cultural and linguistic incompetence and the
issue of miscommunication.

IMPACT OF CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC COMPETENCE 4
Introduction
Nursing is a very diverse, rewarding, interactive and demanding career. In healthcare,
nurses are trained to be competent in giving care to all persons regardless of skin complexion,
age, language, and cultural belief. Subsequently, in the health profession nurses face
differences when communicating with diverse patients since they have to speak to patients in
a way, they won’t feel offended (Haverinen, 2017). When people or groups from various
cultures communicate, this is known as intercultural communication. The transaction process
of listening and reacting to people from different cultural backgrounds can be complicated.
The rise in ethnicity in health care, ensures service providers are looked upon to focus
on the diversity in their work and learn and adapt to the appropriate practices. Similarly, the
goal of nurses is to give culturally competent care. Reducing barriers to communication is
essential. Cultural and language distinctions and health literacy are some of the factors that
may hinder the delivery of service and may be barriers to how doctors offer treatment to
consumers of health care services. According to Brabers, Rademakers, Groenewegen, van
Dijk & de Jong, (2017) health literacy is the act of obtaining, communicating and
understanding simple health information and services that will enhance appropriate health
decision making
The National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in
Health and Health Care (known as the National CLAS Standards), is a policy that is used to
guide in the elimination of health disparities (Barksdale et al., 2016). According to the Office
of Minority Health, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (2016) the standards provide a
blueprint for health care organization that help to deliver effective and respectful services to
patients. These policies have a broader meaning of recipients and how patients receive
services in a health center. Moreover, it explains that we no longer refer people as patients,