Transcultural nursing. A personal and professional challenge.

The traveling nurse is a guest in the host country. It is wise to remember that we represent our country and our culture--we are the only Americans many of the locals have even seen. Be sure that foreigners see in us the very best example of American citizens. After work, there is often opportunity to spend time with the local people. They are usually extremely hospitable and anxious to share their culture. A nurse who can get involved with the local people has the chance to learn so much--different values, priorities, and customs. The culture may be rich in history and folklore. Their approach to health care can be fascinating--very different from our own, yet effective in many ways. There are often highly skilled craftsmen among the people are, producing wonderfully sophisticated things from nearly nothing. It is a source of real joy to bring back treasures from a culture one has come to know. In addition to the opportunity for clinical growth and the refinement of team skills, foreign travel provides an opportunity to grow personally. Adapting to new and more primitive surroundings requires patience and understanding. Interacting with people of a different culture also gives one the opportunity to evaluate ones own beliefs and attitudes. Sometimes it is surprising to realize that we are more snobbish or prejudiced than we believed; that revelation can be an opportunity for growth and change and a new source of pride in our country, our profession, and ourselves.