Authors

  1. Reed, Karen DHSc, RN, CNE, CNL, CRRN

Article Content

The purposes of students taking an elective titled, "Transcultural Communication in Healthcare Today," are to develop an understanding of health care beliefs and practices of specific cultural groups found in the United States and to develop communication skills and techniques necessary for effective culturally sensitive practice. A key activity is promoting cultural engagement with diverse student populations on campus. Students are required to attend cultural events where they are a cultural minority to the majority of students attending the event. Students must find the events, only 2 students from the class may attend any one event, and they may not interact with one another. The idea is for the student enrolled in the course to be a bit uncomfortable yet safe and consider the experience of clients entering health care settings, particularly those clients who have limited English proficiency. After the event, students reflect on their experience addressing specific tags including insight into what they hoped to gain in selecting the attended event, describing any preparation activities performed, and thoughtfully describing how this event prepares them for the world at large and future profession. The campus groups sponsoring attended events represent more than 12 different nationalities and cultures. Students have shared how they never would have participated in other campus organizations' activities and events if not required and how much they learned in doing so, despite feeling nervous. Multiple students have reported continuing to engage with members of these sponsoring organizations even after completing the course.