Creating a culturally competent organization: use of the diversity competency model

Recruiting and retaining an adequate nursing workforce is a priority as well as a challenge, and creating an environment that respects every individual's unique differences is key. The authors describe a method for gauging organizational readiness to respond to this challenge. The Diversity Competency Model is used to conduct an in-depth assessment of one nursing organization's diversity initiatives. Leadership commitment, structural linkages, organizational culture, and continuous measurement constitute the Diversity Competency Model assessment. The authors discuss the model and its use.