Understanding Nursing Students’ Competency in Working with Culturally Diverse Populations: A Palestinian Perspective

Abstract

Background: Understanding cultural competency is essential for providing competent, culturally sensitive care for improving health outcomes. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine nursing students’ competency in working with culturally diverse populations. Methods: A cross-sectional design was conducted among 243 nursing students during their internship. The Cultural Competence Assessment Scale and a perception of student competency scale were used. Results: The study revealed that nursing students hold a high level of behavioral competence and awareness, with mean scores of 4.99 ± 0.84 and 4.77 ± 0.52, respectively. Nursing students’ cultural competency behavior was significantly predicted by resident location and cultural awareness, as revealed by multivariable regression analysis. Conclusion: Nurses must deliver culturally competent health care to individuals from a variety of backgrounds. It is critical to implement efficient interventions, including focused educational program