The Impact of Cultural Background on Nursing Care
Over the past 30 years, the nursing workforce has slowly evolved from being composed of primarily young or middle-aged white women, to encompassing individuals of both genders, many races, ethnic cultures, and four generations. The average age of the nurse has increased from 39 to 43, and men as well as minorities have entered the field. Studies show that a diverse healthcare workforce benefits patients because they develop a better connection and have improved outcomes when their caregivers have similar backgrounds (King, 2014). Diversity benefits employers as well because they have access to a bigger pool of individuals with differing cultural perceptions, ideas, beliefs, values and attitudes. …show more content…
Typically the nursing workforce has consisted of three generations, but this has changed due to nurses delaying retirement, enjoying better health, and experiencing longer lifespans. Like other factors of culture, generations bring another dimension of diversity and complexity to the workplace.
The Veterans (born 1925-1942)
The Veterans represent 5% of the nursing workforce and are characterized by a strong work ethic, loyalty and dedication. Their shared experiences include living through the Great Depression and World War II. Surviving these events taught them to work hard and take responsibility. They are patriotic, understand rules, value loyalty, dislike waste and, are likely to stay with an organization for many years.
Baby Boomers (born 1943-1960)
Baby Boomers are the largest generational groups making up 40% of the nursing workforce. They grew up in a time of peace and economic prosperity, but in the 1960s, they were influenced by political movements and events such as the equal rights movement, the Vietnam War, the assassination of political leaders, and the “peace/love” movement. They are the most productive generation and are considered “workaholics” and “overachievers”. They value financial security, independence, and seek validation through promotions and salary …show more content…
One of the characteristics that I identify with the most is being more concerned with achieving outcomes than the actual process that is used to achieve those goals. I understand that there are many pathways to obtain a result, and as long as the process is somewhat intuitive, it is not important to me which path is chosen. Like other individuals of Generation X, I like to provide input when the unit makes decisions and I don’t appreciate a leader who micromanages. It’s important for me to have a work-life balance, so over the years, I’ve transitioned to a Monday through Friday job working eight hours each day. This gives me the opportunity each day to pursue other activities such as hanging out with friends, working out, or writing
Over the past 30 years, the nursing workforce has slowly evolved from being composed of primarily young or middle-aged white women, to encompassing individuals of both genders, many races, ethnic cultures, and four generations. The average age of the nurse has increased from 39 to 43, and men as well as minorities have entered the field. Studies show that a diverse healthcare workforce benefits patients because they develop a better connection and have improved outcomes when their caregivers have similar backgrounds (King, 2014). Diversity benefits employers as well because they have access to a bigger pool of individuals with differing cultural perceptions, ideas, beliefs, values and attitudes. …show more content…
Typically the nursing workforce has consisted of three generations, but this has changed due to nurses delaying retirement, enjoying better health, and experiencing longer lifespans. Like other factors of culture, generations bring another dimension of diversity and complexity to the workplace.
The Veterans (born 1925-1942)
The Veterans represent 5% of the nursing workforce and are characterized by a strong work ethic, loyalty and dedication. Their shared experiences include living through the Great Depression and World War II. Surviving these events taught them to work hard and take responsibility. They are patriotic, understand rules, value loyalty, dislike waste and, are likely to stay with an organization for many years.
Baby Boomers (born 1943-1960)
Baby Boomers are the largest generational groups making up 40% of the nursing workforce. They grew up in a time of peace and economic prosperity, but in the 1960s, they were influenced by political movements and events such as the equal rights movement, the Vietnam War, the assassination of political leaders, and the “peace/love” movement. They are the most productive generation and are considered “workaholics” and “overachievers”. They value financial security, independence, and seek validation through promotions and salary …show more content…
One of the characteristics that I identify with the most is being more concerned with achieving outcomes than the actual process that is used to achieve those goals. I understand that there are many pathways to obtain a result, and as long as the process is somewhat intuitive, it is not important to me which path is chosen. Like other individuals of Generation X, I like to provide input when the unit makes decisions and I don’t appreciate a leader who micromanages. It’s important for me to have a work-life balance, so over the years, I’ve transitioned to a Monday through Friday job working eight hours each day. This gives me the opportunity each day to pursue other activities such as hanging out with friends, working out, or writing