Teaching Culturally Competent Veteran Nursing Care in Prelicensure Programs

Abstract

With the publication of Healthy People 2020, health disparities have been redefined to expand concepts beyond traditional racial and ethnic minorities and include a broader range of populations. Veterans, with their unique experiences and values, comprise a distinct culture with health risks and potential disparities. Although accrediting agencies require programs of nursing to teach culturally competent care, it is unknown whether nurse faculty recognize veterans as having a culture distinct from the rest of the population. Recognizing veterans as possessing a distinct culture is a first step in the provision of culturally competent care.