Background The Census of Population 2022 reported that 20% of Ireland’s population was born outside the country, with the largest increases observed among those born in India, Brazil, and Romania. These demographics indicate a growing cultural and linguistic diversity within the Irish population and underscore the necessity to have a healthcare system and nurses who possess a high level of cultural competence to ensure equitable access, effective communication and the provision of culturally sensitive care. Nurses represent the largest proportion of health professionals in Ireland with 89,496 registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland [NMBI] in 2024 (NMBI, 2024). This novel research aims to support nurses with the provision of cultural care in an increasingly culturally diverse society.
Aim To examine the level of cultural competence amongst undergraduate general nursing students and explore how to support proficiency.
Hypothesis Undergraduate general nursing students in Ireland exhibit varying levels of cultural competence, and in the absence of existing national studies on this topic, this research will empirically assess these competence levels to establish a baseline for future curriculum development.
Objectives
• To measure the level of cultural competence among undergraduate general nursing students at Trinity College Dublin.
• To recommend evidence-informed approaches for integrating cultural competence development into nursing curricula.
Outcomes and implications The research will help inform the development of new intercultural curricula to increase nursing students understanding of cultural competence and provide culturally congruent care. The implication for clinical practice, is that new graduates will enter the healthcare environment with the knowledge to provide culturally sensitive care to an increasingly diverse population.