Asked Mnemonic: The Importance Of Cultural Differences

The transcultural theory of nursing strives to bring to light the importance of cultural similarities and cultural differences across human groups. Culture is defined as a set of values, beliefs and traditions, that are held by a specific group of people and handed down from generation to generation. As practicing nurses, we should endeavor to develop understanding of the diversity of patients’ beliefs, values, spirituality and culture as it relates to illness, its meaning, cause, treatment, and outcome. I believe the theory has an adequate foundation on which to build but as with all theories should evolve as the practice of nursing evolves. The ASKED mnemonic has five steps that are a good way for an individual to evaluate their own cultural

Over the years, I have developed a stable cultural sensitivity aptitude. I find it is most important to take cues from the patient and their families on how to care for them. As well as to ask the patient what is most important to them and how I can best serve them. In his article, Collins (2015), states that “improved health outcomes are achieved when culturally competent nurses acknowledge the patient’s culture care values and preferred care practices, and incorporate into the professional plan of care the patient’s generic care wishes” (p. 11). I have encountered a few situations which make me most uncomfortable, families not wanting the patient to know the severity of their illness, and obvious servitude behaviors toward the females to name a couple. When these occur, I have found the inclusion of the charge nurse, the physician and social services can lessen the negative outcomes in these situations. My goal is to assure the patient is cared for in a manner that is most comfortable to them and satisfies their needs to ensure a speedy and comprehensive recovery. Another practice in my own career has been to share the cultural information gathered with oncoming shifts of care givers, the charge nurse and