ARE NURSES AWARE OF THE DIFFERING HEALTH-CARE NEEDS OF VIETNAMESE PATIENTS

This study examined the knowledge a small group of community nurses have of the Vietnamese culture. In our multi-cultural society nurses are being challenged to offer culturally appropriate care. Provision of care depends on an accurate assessment of health care needs which may differ from those of the dominant culture. The results indicated a lack of knowledge of the Vietnamese culture and the specific health care practices of the Vietnamese. This lack of knowledge is being rectified by in-service education.