The Cultural Competence Self-Assessment Checklist gave me awareness regarding several aspects of cultural competence. Although I have knowledge and awareness regarding cultural judgements and decisions, I fall short in sharing my own culture. Sharing culture is a practice that has increased due to social engagement, diversity, and sharing, communing, and collaboration (Katrini, 2018). The self-assessment checklist questions understanding of the impact of racism, sexism and homophobia where one should recognize that stereotypical attitudes and discriminatory actions can dehumanize or even encourage violence. My opportunity for further growth is to recognize these attitudes and actions early on in order to de-escalate situations. In the Emergency Department (ED), there have been multiple incidents where patients waiting in the department waiting room began disputes amongst themselves related to perceptions and judgements of discrimination. There was one incident where two patients were arguing, and an undercover police officer had to draw a weapon because the individuals became hostile.
The underserved populations within the San Bernardino County are prominent. My personal worldview encompasses a passion to help those that are in need. This instituted within my life early on as a grew up in a Christian household who spent many occasions providing meals to the homeless and low-income population, completing missionary work with the community church, and traveling to North America to assess health needs in the areas with little to no healthcare and high rates of poverty. These beliefs and values led to my career as a nurse and participating in community outreach. Participating in outreach towards the underserved should be a part of healthcare education. According to Leaune et.al., (2021) social accountability is demonstrated at an increased rate with medical students who participate in serving the underserved versus those who do not. The commitment to serving the community gives a sense of achievement, and value. Furthermore, it opens dialogue to gain knowledge towards different cultures and walks of life.
Katrini, E. (2018). Sharing culture: On definitions, values, and emergence. The Sociological Review, 66(2), 425–446. https://doi.org/10.1177/0038026118758550
Leaune, E., Rey-Cadilhac, V., Oufker, S. (2021). Medical students attitudes toward and intention to work with the underserved: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Med Educ 21, 129 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-021-02517-x
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