Nurses can adopt this approach to develop cultural competence, which ultimately leads to “conscious permeability.” Dealing with conflict in client care, particularly when cultural differences are involved, requires excellent communication skills, empathy, cultural awareness, and a dedication to respectful resolution.

To provide culturally responsive care, nurses must respect clients’ values, customs, and beliefs. Cultural responsiveness encompasses cultural awareness, knowledge, skills, encounters, and humility.

conscious permeability — the mindful act of learning to become culturally humble and use a cultural lens throughout the entire encounter with the client. empathy — the capability to understand and share the feelings and perspectives of others, demonstrating sensitivity and compassion. systemic oppression — the dominant group’s ability to impose their version of reality and dictate what is considered normal, true, and right. unconscious impermeability — a lack of recognition that cultural humility is necessary to become culturally competent.