Reflective Video Journal #7 – Cultural Competence

1. Instance of Lacking Cultural Competence (≈1 min)

• Example narrative:
  “During a clinical rotation, I cared for a patient from a cultural background different from my own who strongly valued family involvement in healthcare decisions. Initially, I approached the situation from a very Westernized perspective, focusing only on direct communication with the patient. I did not realize that excluding family members from the discussion was viewed as disrespectful and dismissive in their culture.”

2. How I Handled the Situation (≈1 min)

• “When I noticed the patient’s discomfort, I paused and asked whether they would prefer family members to be included in our conversation. I also sought guidance from my preceptor on how to balance patient autonomy with cultural expectations. By adjusting my approach, I was able to validate the patient’s cultural values while still ensuring their voice remained central to the care plan.”

3. Correcting My Deficiency (≈1 min)

• “I recognized that I lacked knowledge of family decision-making roles in certain cultures. To address this gap, I reviewed cultural competence resources, attended a workshop on cultural humility, and began incorporating open-ended questions into my assessments—such as, ‘Are there family members or others you would like involved in your care decisions?’ This has helped me avoid assumptions and ensure patients feel respected.” APA

4. Ensuring Ongoing Cultural Competence as a PMHNP (≈1–2 min)

• “As a future PMHNP, I will commit to cultural humility as a lifelong learning process. I plan to:

  • Regularly engage in continuing education on cultural competence.

  • Practice reflective journaling to identify my own biases and blind spots.

  • Seek supervision and peer consultation when encountering unfamiliar cultural practices.

  • Ask patients directly about their preferences and values, rather than assuming.

  By doing so, I can foster trust, reduce barriers to care, and ensure that every patient feels heard, respected, and safe in the therapeutic relationship.”