Cultural competency—or the incorporation of patients' ethnic beliefs, traditions, and practices—in a care plan has long been
a key element to nursing and allied health...and it is more critical now than ever before. With the U.S. Hispanic population
continuing to experience unprecedented growth, healthcare providers familiar not only with the needs of the Latino community,
but also with those of its distinct subgroups, are highly sought after by management at facilities nationwide. As a healthcare
traveler, in particular, you have the unique opportunity to gain knowledge about diverse cultures and integrate these lessons
into your clinical skill sets for use on current and future assignments.
An expanding presence
For years, the importance of cultural competency has been stressed as the general American population continues to diversify.
This is especially true in metropolitan areas where there are a variety of ethnic communities. "I have worked with people
of just about every nationality you can imagine," notes Ronald Coronado, BSN, RN, a traveler with San Diego, California-based
Access Nurses and cast member of the company's online show, "13 Weeks." "Honestly, I cannot think of a place where there isn't a cultural aspect to nursing."
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hispanics are the fastest-growing minority group—up from 22.4 million in 1990 to 35.3
million 10 years later. In fact, officials predict this ethnic community will account for 25 percent of all Americans by 2050.
Hispanic Population by Origin
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Although the terms "Hispanic" and "Latino" are sometimes used to represent Spanish-speaking people in general, individual
subgroups are categorized by countries of origin. This distinction has become more significant over the years as immigration
has escalated. In the U.S., individuals identified as being of Mexican descent, for example, increased in number by 52.9 percent
(from 13.5 million to 20.6 million), according to the 2000 Census. Other Hispanic subgroups also saw growth: The numbers of
Puerto Ricans and Cuban Americans increased by 24.9 percent and 18.9 percent, respectively. Those reporting other origins
rose by 96.9 percent to 10 million.
Because Hispanics have become such a large part of the fabric of America, it is likely that you and other travelers will find
yourselves interacting with and caring for Spanish-speaking peoples at some point in your careers. "More mobile clinicians
are becoming well-versed in Hispanic and other ethnicities' customs and mores," states Karen Flaster, chief operating officer
for HRN Services Inc., a health services support organization located in Beverly Hills, California. "They bring that cumulative
experience to assignments, and the patients become the benefactors."
Across the country
For centuries, the West and Southwest have been home to the majority of Mexican Americans. Historically, this group has lived
throughout California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Similarly, Cuban Americans had predominantly populated Florida, and
the majority of Puerto Ricans living in the Lower 48 established themselves in the New York region. But today, with countless
Hispanic communities in cities from the Northeast to the Northwest, there are fewer, clearly identified geographical markers
pertaining to specific subgroups. A case in point: the government lists Illinois among the top seven states with the largest
Hispanic populations.
