Transcultural competence: the challenge for nurse education

Several recent health policy directives highlight the need to overcome the health disadvantage and discrimination experienced by many members of minority ethnic communities. However, there is ample evidence to indicate that nurses frequently fall short of providing sensitive and appropriate care to minority ethnic patients. If these policy objectives are to be met, it is essential that nurse education provides students with the opportunity to develop transcultural competence. This article examines the current policy context before considering the principles underpinning the development of transcultural competence. It concludes by discussing how nurse education might more effectively prepare nurses to meet the needs of minority ethnic communities.