ConclusionResults from this research study continue to demonstrate the need for additional formal education and continuing education in providing culturally competent care to patients and families. KeywordsCultural competence, nurses, continuing education, research, policy One major challenge confronting nurses is the provision of culturally competent care to an increasingly diverse society. Individuals seek healthcare with unique cultural needs, beliefs, and behaviors. Providing patient and family-centered care requires that nurses recognize the patient and family's culture, the nurse's culture, and how both affect the care-receiving and care-giving relationship.Leininger is considered the pioneer in the field of transcultural nursing. In her seminal work Nursing and Anthropology: Two Worlds to Blend, Leininger (1970) Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to examine nurses' perceptions of their cultural awareness, knowledge, skills, and comfort level in caring for patients and families from diverse populations. MethodsUsing a prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study design, 2,000 surveys were sent to registered nurses in a southeastern state in the United States. Three hundred seventy-four nurses participated which provided a 19.3% response rate. ResultsParticipants reported a moderate level of cultural awareness, but perceived low levels of cultural knowledge, skill, and comfort in patient encounters and situations. Participants noted that cultural diversity training was lacking in basic nursing education, and in workplace continuing education programs. Multiple regression analysis indicated that higher nursing degree was predictive of greater knowledge of cultural competence.