CULTURAL COMPETENCE: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis

Aim. The purpose of this article is to explore the concept of cultural competence in the nursing and nursing education literature. Background. The RN workforce, the nurse faculty population, and the pre-licensure nursing student population do not reflect the country's changing demographics, and cultural competence is identified as key to preparing nurses to meet clients' needs. Method. Using Rogers' method of evolutionary concept analysis, key words (cultural competence, nursing, and nursing education) were searched in two databases for a five-year period. Of 388 articles found, 137 met inclusion criteria; of these, 30 articles were randomly selected for nursing and nursing education. Results. Three dimensions of cultural competence (awareness, attitudes, and behaviors) and related concepts were identified. Conclusion. Results of this concept analysis reveal congruency between nursing and nursing education with regard to cultural competence. Further research is recommended.