Identify two ways that nurses can create culturally safe environments.

Give a brief

explanation how this contributes to culturally safe environments for clients.

Two ways by which nurses can create a culturally safe environment for clients is by

Individual Self Reflection on their own culture, beliefs and values and interacting with clients

with open mindedness and a non-minded approach

Culturally safe practices are essential in providing safe, quality and equitable care and

contribute to improved health outcome of clients.

Nurses have an obligation to respect and value each client’s individual culture, and

consider how culture may impact their experience of health care and the health-care

system (Canadian Nurses Association, [CNA] 2018). Nurses work in a variety of practice

settings, interacting with and providing care for clients from diverse cultures and diverse cultural

backgrounds. Nurses should not make assumptions about clients and mitigate any unintended

discriminatory behavior that may impact their relationship with clients (College of Registered

Nurses of Nova Scotia [CRNNS], 2017). Nurses acknowledge they have implicit biases that are

most often the root causes of unintentional, insensitive attitudes and behaviors that reflect innate

prejudices or biases (FitzGerald & Hurst, 2017). Recognition of implicit biases and

critical self-reflection reduces the risk of unsafe care based on stereotypes. When nurses lack

self-reflection on their interactions with clients, discriminatory practices and stereotyping may

happen (Narayan, 2019). Nurses recognize that cultural differences exist and explore these

differences with clients to help create a safe space for clients to feel comfortable to express their

cultural beliefs and needs (CRNNS, 2017)

 Nurses should actively listen and respectfully seek to understand clients perspectives,

experiences, values, preferences and hopes. Nurses should also advocate for the inclusion of

client cultural beliefs and practices in their plan of care.

I believe about strategies could help nurses to contribute towards culturally safe

environment for clients.