Cultural competence of nurses in Pudong New Area, Shanghai: a mixed-method study

Abstract

Abstract Objective Cultural competence has gradually attracted attention from many countries, including China. This study was undertaken to determine the cultural competence of registered nurses in Shanghai, China, and to identify the cultural competence among registered nurses in Pudong New Area, Shanghai. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted in combination with a quantitative survey. Fifteen clinical nurses were interviewed, and 1088 clinical nurses were recruited for the survey with cultural competence scale for registered nurses, based on the results of the qualitative and quantitative studies. Results The overall level of cultural competence among registered nurses in Shanghai's Pudong New Area was moderate. Among the seven dimensions, cultural encounter had the highest score, followed by cultural practice, cultural awareness, cultural desire, cultural skill, cultural experience, and cultural knowledge. Age, level of hospital care, mastery of secondary level, and studying overseas were the influencing factors. Conclusions Hospitals and universities should be aware of the importance of studying cultural competence. Cultural competence-related courses should be increased, and various forms of training should be undertaken to enhance the interest of nurses.