The purpose of conducting a cultural assessment is to facilitate your understanding of your client so that you can incorporate particular client beliefs into your nursing practice.  In this assignment you will interview an individual who has a cultural background that is different from your own.  The interview must be tape-recorded.  The reason for taping the interview is so that you do not have to remember every word the respondent says and can concentrate on the interview itself, rather than on writing down what the individual is saying.

1.  Review class materials from N210 & 211, re:  how to interview, ask open-ended
     questions, respond to what your “client” is saying, etc.

2.  Review the interview guide before you conduct the interview.  Think about how to
     phrase questions in your own words.  Consider why you are asking the questions
     before you ask them, e.g.:  How will the answers help you become a better nurse in
     providing culturally relevant care?

3.  Obtain verbal and written consent from the respondent before conducting the
     interview.  Make sure the individual knows what this project is about and is agreeable
     to talking about their background. Make sure you bring note paper to take notes. 
     Tell the respondent that I may wish to call them to verify that the interview took place, 
     that you were professional in your approach, etc.

4.  Make sure the respondent understands that the information they provide is confidential
     and will be shared only with the instructor.  Information about the culture that is
     provided by the respondent may be shared with other classmates to help them in their
     understanding but will not include any identifying data including name, student status,
     etc.

Resources for Cultural Assessment Paper

        Directions    Guide    Consent Form

 

 © 2000 Jane E. Lucht - N210 Foundations of Professional Nursing