The US is on target to become one of the most diverse nations in the world, with a projection of minorities making up 57% of the population by 2060. (Loftin, Hartin, Branson, and Reyes, 2013, page 10) This astounding number leaves many questions for culturally competent health care. A group effort will need to be made between clinicians, continuing to educate themselves, and patients, advocating for their cultural needs. Often these tasks are much easier said than done. Cultural relativism versus ethnocentrism continues to challenge personalized health care because cultural competence is achieved by a lifelong commitment to cultural education including awareness, desire, encounters, knowledge, and skill among workers …show more content…
(McIntyre, 2014) In other words, diversity of cultures is not considered right and wrong or good and bad. Understanding that all cultures have their customs, rights, are of equal value, and deserve a say in their care is a critical part of our health care system. There is no universal moral code; issues considered moral in one society could be immoral in another. For instance celebrating Santa Clause or cannibalism in some African villages, cultural relativism helps formulate an unbiased understanding of all situations. Judging either of these cases based on personal, cultural norms would be ethnocentric (being wrapped up in one 's personal cultural beliefs) and hinder professionalism and personalized cultural care. It is vital all health care workers use cultural relativism while honing their skills to becoming more culturally competent, without it health care would be incomplete and …show more content…
Health care employers offer a variety of workshops, clinics, and seminars to meet requirements and improve personalized cultural health care. The International Council of Nursing (ICN) along with the Joint Commissions of the Accreditation of Health care Organization (JACHO) acknowledge and require continued cultural competent training in all levels of education including live long learning as a requirement for accreditation of a health care organization. (???????) Employees and students should take it upon themselves to ask for additional resources and education in cultural issues along with a multicultural workforce if they do not feel they are getting the optimal education to cultural diversity. Through these actions, workers and students should continue to grow as individuals and culturally component employees while improving the outcome of individualized patient