Integrating cultural humility within the core competencies of the global nurse consultant: An exemplar from Botswana

Abstract

<p><strong>Purpose:</strong> Core competencies for global nurse consultants include seven domains: client context, accountability, ethical practice, legal practice, service provision, communication, and continuing competence (World Health Professions Alliance, 2007). However, the underlying precept for successful global consulting, cultural humility, has largely been ignored. The purpose of this presentation is to integrate the concept of cultural humility within the core competencies of the global nurse consultant.</p> <p><strong>Methods:</strong> A case study approach demonstrates the significance of cultural humility as an underlying process in developing core competencies for global nurse consultants. A new hospital was recently constructed in Botswana, providing the context for integration of cultural humility. Nurse consultants were utilized for strengthening nursing administration, nursing staff clinical competencies, and developing an ongoing educational program for nursing staff.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> Cultural humility requires deep introspection by consultants as core competencies are made manifest and respectful relationships realized between consultants and clients. Challenges faced by the nurse consultants in the Botswana hospital and informed by the practice of cultural humility include: Developing relationships with local agencies such as the Ministry of Health and Nursing Council Mentorship of key personnel, including nursing administration and clinical leadership Development of an ongoing educational plan able to survive changes in leadership for both hospital-wide and unit-specific competencies Appreciation of practice differences between local care providers and consultants.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Integrating cultural humility within the core competencies of the global nurse consultant requires intense self-examination and recognition of the larger context in which healthcare is provided in any country. Global nurse consultants must nurture the process of cultural humility for ongoing development of core competencies.</p>