Intraprofessional cultural competence in nursing regulation: A critical content analysis of standards and codes in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia.

Abstract

There is a global shortage of nurses, leading many countries to recruit internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) to fill the gap. However, IQNs encounter challenges in integrating into their new professional environment, particularly in their interactions with locally qualified nurses (LQNs). Intraprofessional cultural competence (IPCC), defined as 'a set of congruent behaviours and attitudes that enable professionals to work respectfully and effectively in cross-cultural situations', may be a strategy to address these challenges. Content analysis was used to examine nursing regulatory documents (Standards for Practice [Standards] and Codes of Conduct [Codes]) from the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia. Data were extracted and organised based on four key themes relevant to IPCC. The analysis revealed a focus on 'Mutual collaboration and professional relationships' in six regulatory documents, with explicit commitments to preventing racism and discrimination in the Australian and NZ Codes. However, issues such as racism, discrimination, bullying and harassment faced by IQNs are not comprehensively addressed, as the documents mainly prioritize culturally appropriate patient interactions over relationships between colleagues. Using regulatory documents to address IPCC may influence positive change such as improving communication, and preventing racism, bullying, discrimination and harassment within nursing.