Transnational Cultural Ecologies: Evolving Challenges for Nurses in Canada

Abstract

Canada is experiencing an evolving cultural ecology as new arrivals of immigrants now realize opportunities for sustaining familiar ties with home countries through advancing technologies and travel. Those arriving will have diverse experiences and preferences, many with opportunities for meeting their health needs elsewhere. For those less privileged, options for health care and health enabling resources are more limited as existing health systems continue to give preference to a dominant culture based on a European heritage—even though, progressively, Canadian society becomes more diverse in its cultural makeup. We as nurses and others engaged in health care systems need to consider our own acculturation processes as we adapt to the changes happening in our society. Systemic approaches to cultural competency in health care need to be considered that enable nurses and other health care providers to be adaptive and resilient in a transnational world.