Abstract: The integration of culturally relevant concepts into nursing education is essential for the effective delivery of health care in a modern, multi-ethnic, multi-racial, mobile society. Several key concepts from anthropology and specific areas of individual interpersonal behavior have particular relevance to nursing education. It is important, for instance, that nurses understand the culture of the hospital, clinic, or other health service setting in which they work. They need to recognize structures of power and authority and be able to function with skill and flexibility within complex hierarchical organizations. Nursing students themselves become involved in the processes of acculturation and resocialization once they finish their training, and an anthropological perspective may ease the transition. The effectiveness of the nurse as a practitioner is increased by awareness and understanding of cross-cultural differences in, for example, religion, territoriality, and attitudes toward family. Even within the same society, cultural components of wellness and illness, such as tolerance for pain, may vary greatly. Additionally, nurses must have an awareness of language differences and communication skills and the importance of understanding patients and being understood by them. Comprehension of these culturally relevant concepts and issues can be facilitated through the integration of learning experiences with obvious applicability into existing courses. Samples of such learning experiences are appended, including definitions of concepts, suggested readings, learning activities, and discussion topics. (KL)
Notes: Paper presented to the Central States Anthropological Association (Lexington, KY, April 10, 1982) and to the American Culture Association (Louisville, KY, April 17, 1982).
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