Culture, values and racism: application to nursing

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Oncology
• Cultural Studies

Background:

• Cancer prevention and management are global health priorities.
• Oncology nurses face challenges caring for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Existing literature often focuses solely on a multicultural approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between culture, values, racism, and cancer nursing practice.
• To advance beyond a purely multicultural framework in oncology nursing.
• To identify key concepts for enhancing patient care in diverse populations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual analysis.
• Exploration of concepts: culture, values, racism, self-awareness, cultural encounter, skills, and knowledge.
• Argument for integrating these concepts into nursing practice.

Main Results:

• Cultural competence in oncology nursing requires a deeper understanding beyond multiculturalism.
• Self-awareness, cultural encounter, skills, and knowledge are crucial for effective care.
• Racism and its impact on patient care need explicit consideration.

Conclusions:

• Integrating concepts of culture, values, racism, and self-awareness can significantly enhance oncology nursing practice.
• Developing cultural competence is essential for equitable cancer care.
• This framework supports improved patient care for diverse populations in oncology settings.