WisconsinRegistered Nurses’ Self-Report of Cultural Competence a Mixed Methods Study using the Modified Cultural Competence Assessment Instrument

Abstract

The mixed-methods study was intended to provide an insight into Wisconsin RN workforce through their self-report of cultural competence and comfort through the Modified Cultural Competence Assessment Instrument. Wisconsin Nurses were recruited through the Wisconsin Nurse Association database. One hundred and twenty-four RN voluntary responded to the survey. Data analysis included using a two-tailed t-test, Pearson’s r correlation, and open-ended questions with a systematic data reduction process of their responses were examined. Two of the forty questions t-tailed tests results relating to awareness of own implicit bias and actions were found to be statistically significant, p ≤ .05. Twenty-five Pearson’s r correlation of cultural competence and comfort were found to be significant at ≥ .80 |r| ≤ .90. The themes encompass “cultural roles and influences;” “bias and awareness;” “communication, technology, and language;” “client and healthcare provider interactions;” and “organizational support.” Recommendations include a need for continued education for RN workforce in client tools and education programs, telemedicine, cultural immersion, learning native languages, understanding racism, and implicit bias that will culture improved health outcomes for our diverse Wisconsin communities.