Original Post

Nurses must demonstrate culturally competent care when interacting with patients.  According to the College of Nurses (CNO), therapeutic communication strategies include recognizing that effectively establishing a relationship that is therapeutic affects the patient’s wellbeing and in order to do so, the nurse must be able to demonstrate respect and sensitivity for the patients choices.  A patients choices will have come from their individual values, beliefs, culture and even religion (CNO, 2006).  A communication strategy that can help a nurse to build a therapeutic relationship with someone who speaks another language includes using an interpreter (CNO, 2009).  Using an interpreter can be done respecting the clients wellbeing and choice by using the following strategies set out in the Culturally Sensitive Practice Standard (2009).  Seeking permission first to use an interpreter will help build trust.  Maintaining confidentiality is a priority, and finally, speaking directly to the patient rather than the interpreter will maintain trust.