Culturally Competent Practice in a Pre-Licensure Baccalaureate Nursing Program in the United States: A Mixed-Methods Study

AIM: This study examined how one pre-licensure baccalaureate nursing program at a public university in the southeastern United States integrated concepts and issues of culture and culturally competent practice into its curriculum. BACKGROUND: Teaching and learning about culturally competent practice in pre-licensure nursing programs are essential to ensure a culturally competent health care workforce. METHOD: A mixed-methods case study approach was used. Data were collected from student surveys (n = 111), student focus groups (three groups, n = 9), faculty interviews (n = 14), and school of nursing documents, including the mission statement, faculty and student handbooks, and course syllabi. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. RESULTS: Findings provide evidence of cultural competence, barriers to deeper engagement with cultural issues, and suggestions for improvement. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest teaching/learning strategies and curricular design issues that may lead to greater student and faculty member cultural understandings.