Diversity Certification Program: A Health Care Organization's Quest for Diversity and Cultural Competence-One Person at a Time
- Describe the forces that contributed to development of a healthcare system-based diversity certification program.
- Describe three steps to achieve Diversity Champion Certification.
- List one outcome of voluntary employee participation in a healthcare system-based diversity certification program.
In 2004, AWHONN adopted a definition of diversity and a set of principles that culturally competent care must recognize and be aware of cultural perspectives of those served. Providers must be willing to modify their treatment approach to provide care that is culturally acceptable to clients. Since diversity is an essential component in the provision of quality health care, AWHONN goals are to promote knowledge and skills of cultural competence in the nursing workforce that serves women and newborns.
Our organization has embraced diversity as an essential component of its mission for both the population served and its workforce. Nurses have provided leadership in the collaborative diversity initiatives at our organization and serve on the Diversity Steering Committee and the Clinical Practice and Education Sub-Committee. In 2006, two nurse-researchers conducted a pilot study of educational interventions for nurses to promote cultural competence using a theoretical framework that describes the journey towards cultural competence. The results showed that patient satisfaction scores related to diversity and cultural sensitivity improved on the interventional units. The education program was then offered to departments across the organization, including nursing, social work, and business office.
Proposed change:
Challenges of offering “live” inservices to almost 5,000 employees led the Diversity Clinical Practice and Education Sub-Committee to develop the Diversity Certification Program, an innovative approach to offer all employees the opportunity to pursue the journey towards competence in diversity based on individual needs and interests. The Diversity Certification Program consists of two levels: Diversity Champions that demonstrates beginning achievement of diversity skill and knowledge; and Diversity Leaders that demonstrates advanced knowledge and skill to function as mentors to promote the organization’s journey towards diversity competence. Based on principles of adult learning, the two-level certificate program provides recognition of achievement for those individuals who support our organization’s mission within the venue of diversity through education and service.
Implementation, outcomes and evaluation:
This presentation describes the steps to establish the Diversity Certification Program. Outcomes of the program, including results of employee participation, enthusiam and accomplishments will be shared. The format of self-assessment, identification of learning needs, and pursuit of individual interests has met the needs of adult learners. Reviews of anecdotal comments provide rich evidence of the impact of personal journeys towards cultural competence.
Implications for nursing practice:
The Diversity Certification Program is a model of an innovative, low-cost approach to move organizations towards the quest for cultural competence and inclusion for the diverse populations we serve and employ.
Keywords: Diversity, cultural competence, certification
