Diversity in the Nursing Environment
Robin Glunt RN
SOC/315
December 12, 2011
Jenel Cavazos

Diversity in the Nursing Environment
Diversity is a fact of the nursing environment in terms of relationships with colleagues and with patients. Nurses are required to work with and take care of individuals from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. This can be both a challenge and an enriching experience. In nursing all dimensions of cultural diversity are experienced regularly including the primary dimensions of diversity such as age, ethnic heritage, mental/physical ability, race, gender and sexual orientation. Secondary dimensions are considered as part and parcel of understanding patient needs in a health care setting and these may include income, religion, education and family status (Stockdale M.S., 2004).
Understanding diversity is pivotal to successful patient care because patient needs are often largely defined by patient experience and expectations. All of the factors that define diversity are inherent in how a patient will perceive their care and what their expectations will be in receiving care. Nurses who understand this are better able to offer compassion, appropriate services, tolerance and support. It is important when considering patient care to recognize the difference between diversity and inclusion.
Diversity compared to inclusion in the health care environment
Diversity defines the lifestyle and experiences and individual may have which will inform their beliefs, expectations and acceptance of practices. Respecting diversity means acknowledging these unique experiences and administering care and understanding based upon the distinct tenets of the individuals culture, identity or belief system. This is different to inclusion which is a dynamic two way process.
Inclusion sees diversity as a resource which enriches the work and care