Diversity in nursing
In the world that we are currently living, nurses are operating in culturally diverse settings. The modern healthcare setting is integrating both the experts and the patients with diverse backgrounds and social levels. It is therefore very important for professional nurses to have a good understanding of the diverse needs of their patients and take into account their cultural diversity as well as individual habits of the different patients so as to offer them with quality health care services. The modern diverse health care setting inspires the improvement of tolerance among the nurses and maximizes the nurse's efficiency in their work within the diverse environment (Vandenberg, 2008).
Diversity in nursing is quite important as it offers chances for nurses to administer quality care to their patients. Through diversity and inclusion, different cultures, prospects, and attitudes are brought together and thus they bring forth greater integration, creativity as well as innovation that ultimately result in better patient care and satisfaction. Employers in the health sector who make diversity a priority allows the nurses to have a fair access to job openings, promotions and other employment benefits (Vandenberg, 2008). The nurses are also able to support one another and thus creating a diverse team that can allow them to do things in a great way. A diverse team usually presents unique ideas and prospects that the entire team of nurses can use in treating the patients. This, therefore, results in the formation of strong bonds among all nurses which continues for a lifetime (Vandenberg, 2008).
Networking in nursing is quite important as it allows professional linkage. It is therefore very essential to have people who contribute to a person’s professional identity and clinical skills as this enhances mutual support and influence. Having a day to day connection with people that I meet in the day to day basis is one of the ways I intend on a network with fellow nurses at a personal level (Jeffreys, 2012). Having an interpersonal relationship is also important and it will be nurtured through having a nurtured conversation and through mutual support with the people that I intend on networking with. Networking will also be established through attending seminars and conferences where one is able to identify a potential person to link with. Conference friends may form part of good networking colleagues who might be as helpful as they may be of great support (Jeffreys, 2012).
Having a professional development is one of the main strategies that enhance networking in future professional life as a nurse. This offers a huge potential for growth and through registering with a nursing organization will enhance a better platform for future networking. Being a member of this kind of organization allows one to have unrestricted networking opportunities. This may be of importance in the future as the organization may link a nurse to career boards as well as scholarship chances (Jeffreys, 2012).
One of the core reasons behind building a professional network in nursing is due to the fact that it assists in developing a strong system among nurses. Networking allows for a platform where nurses can encourage, advice and support one another hence enhancing nurses to gain the right attitude in the midst of challenging times (Jeffreys, 2012). Professional networking enhances nurses to attain the basic knowledge that is required for them to take the next step. For instance, nurses may develop relationships with people who work in their desired departments or in the desired roles with an aim of gaining knowledge.
References
Jeffreys, M. R. (2012). Nursing Student Retention: Understanding the Process and Making a Difference. New York: Springer Pub. Co.
Vandenberg, H. (2008). Concepts of culture, diversity and cultural care among undergraduate nursing students: a nursing education perspective (Doctoral dissertation, Lethbridge, Alta.: the University of Lethbridge, School of Health Sciences).
