Cultural Competence Recognizing Differences and Building Up Self Awareness: An Inpatient Unit Initiative

In a society as culturally diverse as the United States, especially in New York City, members of the health care delivery system need to increase their awareness of and sensitivity toward diverse patient populations and work to understand culturally influenced health behaviors. Data collected from the current literature search helped evaluate the need for implementation of education about cultural competence and creating of a cultural subcommittee in the unit to improve the understanding of culture and promote cultural competent care.