With less COVID-19 restrictions, this year the cohorts of nursing students are ethnically diverse once again. These students come from all parts of the world. For some, their time in New Zealand has been extremely short prior to commencing their study in the Bachelor of Nursing programme. These students may be grappling with a new country, community, health care system and expectations of nursing in New Zealand. All of this and the addition of how we speak, the jargon and ‘kiwi’ nuances we use. The concepts of cultural safety, cultural competence and palliative care are new to many of them. 

The focus for this workshop: how can students be effectively taught these subjects in a way that the learning can be appropriately integrated into the workplace. This is considered from the perspective of cultural safety and competence in relation to palliative care.

Cultural Awareness - skills of critical thinking and reflection.  Relating development of these skills in self-awareness of knowledge and exposure to concepts in palliative care. Identification of possible biases and judgement that could impact on care provided. The student: who am I?

Cultural Sensitivity - knowledge of person centred care, sensitivity to individual need and planning of patient care. This occurs in collaboration with the patient, family and community people/team resources. Who is the patient? Who and what is important to them and the care provided?

Cultural Safety – recognition of the power imbalance in the therapeutic relationship. Working in partnership with the patient and identified resources. Accountability for care provided, advocacy in the ability to speak up and out for others. Effective communication; honesty and integrity in having challenging conversations related palliative care.