Cultural Competency and Social Issues in Nursing and Health Care

Vocabulary terms and key definitions covering cultural competency, demographic trends, health disparities, and professional standards in nursing.

Culture

Shared values, beliefs, and practices of a particular group of people that are transmitted from one generation to the next and are identified as patterns that guide thinking and action.

Older Adult Population Projection (2018–2060)

The projected doubling of the population of Americans aged 65 years and older from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060 due to longer lifespans and aging Baby Boomers.

Federally Defined Minority Groups

The five recognized groups: Asian American, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, and American Indian and Alaska Native.

Causes of Death for Minority Groups

The primary disparities contributing to mortality among minority groups, identified as cancer, heart disease and stroke, chemical dependency, diabetes, homicides and accidents, and infant mortality.

Marginalized Populations

A subgroup of the population that tends to be hidden, overlooked, or on the outer edge, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, older adults, and recent immigrants from nations such as Russia, Rwanda, and Afghanistan.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)

The greatest cause of injury in women 15–24 years of age, occurring across all ethnic, racial, socioeconomic, and educational groups.

Homicide (in Young Americans)

The second leading cause of death among Americans 15–24 years of age.

Prejudice

A preconceived, deeply held, usually negative, judgment formed about other groups.

Attitude Continuum

The progression of attitudes toward different cultural groups ranging through hate, contempt, tolerance, respect, and celebration.

Transcultural

Being grounded in one's own culture, but having the skills to be able to work in a multicultural environment.

Person-Centered Care

Identified in Domain 2 of the 2021 AACN Essentials as the core purpose of nursing; focuses on the individual within multiple complicated contexts in a manner that is holistic, individualized, just, respectful, compassionate, coordinated, evidence-based, and developmentally appropriate.

CLAS Standards

Recommended standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Health Care Services designed to promote culturally competent staff, bilingual access, interpreter rights, and translated materials.

Stereotyping

Assigning certain beliefs and behaviors to groups without recognizing individuality.

Sensitivity

Experienced when neutral language, both verbal and nonverbal, is used in a way that reflects sensitivity and appreciation for the diversity of another.