Understanding culture in practice: reflections of an Australian Indigenous nurse

Most health care organisations aspire to develop a culturally competent workforce. Australian nurses are bound by professional standards to achieving this goal and there is a clear commitment by lead organisations to deliver nursing care that is mindful about respecting cultural diversity (ANMC, 2005). The development of a nursing workforce that is equipped with knowledge and an embedded attitude of cultural sensitivity and safety is a nursing workforce that will bring about positive change and improved consumer experiences (Chenoweth, Jeon, Goff, & Burke, 2006). This paper will reflect on current discussion about cultural competence from the perspective of an Indigenous nurse, and present a personal learning pathway toward a goal of cultural competence.