Multiculturalism and pluralistic thought in nursing education: Native American world view and the nursing academic...

Nursing's capability to meet the health care needs of America's increasing racial diversity is dependent on its capacity to embrace multicultural groups entering the profession. Faculty should be aware of both the culture and world view of nursing's Euro-American (Anglo) culture-based curriculum. As an example of how world view and culture affect learning and performance, this article juxtaposes nursing's and the Native American's educational world view and culture. Each group's survival is dependent on the culturally determined and learned skills of its members. As faculty and students become culture brokers/interpreters between their world views, student success is enhanced. Acknowledgement of differing world views mandates that caution against generalizations, stereotyping, nefarious comparison, or the devaluing of persons be exercised. This knowledge, appropriately used, provides significant direction in guiding students and planning nursing educational approaches and programs.