INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCES IN STUDENTS OF NURSING IN LEVEL II STUDIES – A DIAGNOSIS

Abstract

Introduction The aim of the article is diagnosing components of intercultural competences in students of nursing in graduate studies. Material and Methods Method – a diagnostic survey. The sampling involved 100% of graduate students of 1st and 2nd year, The Nursing Collegium Mazovia Innovative University, Siedlce Results Students define culture as values, beliefs, norms guiding human thinking and activity. More than half indicate that the image of different culture is taken from ones’ learning process and own experience. Lack of knowledge is a factor that hinders relationships between a nurse and the sick person. Care has been defined as understanding and support, whereas empathy as understanding through the prism of culture and values. Few people use the model of transcultural nursing. Contact with a person from a different cultural background provides them with openness and understanding. The results were compared with the findings of the research conducted by Cucumber-Rainbow, Kaminska, Matusiak, Skupnik, 2011; Zdziebło et al., 2014a, 2014b; Majda, Zalewska-Puchała, 2011. Conclusions The study confirmed the hypothesis about intercultural competencies in students of nursing, but cultural knowledge, recognition of cultural differences, knowledge of language are only some competences that can provide transcultural care.

Keywords

• intercultural competence
• care
• transcultural care