Perspect Nurs Sci.  2015 Oct;12(2):106-114. 10.16952/pns.2015.12.2.106.

University Nursing Students' Empathic Ability and Cultural Competency

• Cho MK
• Shin IN
• Lee YJ
• Lee JH
• Jang EH
• Jeong HR
• Cha KM

• KMID: 2315716
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.16952/pns.2015.12.2.106

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aimed to identify the relationship between empathic ability and cultural competency in university nursing students.
METHODS
This correlational study involved 139 second- and third-year nursing students. They completed a 3-part questionnaire comprising items assessing general characteristics (9), empathic ability (30), and cultural competency (27).
RESULTS
The mean scores for empathy and cultural competency were 106.0 and 78.7, respectively. Empathy did not differ significantly by general characteristics. However, cultural competency significantly differed by foreign language skill. Additionally, a significant correlation was found between the nursing students' empathic ability and cultural competency.
CONCLUSION
Nursing students' empathic ability and cultural competency need to be enhanced to ensure the provision of high-quality nursing services to foreign patients.

Keyword

Nursing students; Empathic ability; Cultural competency

MeSH Terms

Cultural Competency*
Empathy
Humans
Nursing Services
Nursing*
Students, Nursing

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