Transcultural (Intercultural) Nurse
What is Transcultural/Intercultural Nursing?
Transcultural/Intercultural nursing is a distinct specialty focusing on global cultures and comparative cultural caring, health, and nursing phenomena. The transcultural/intercultural nurse looks to respond to the imperative for developing a global perspective within the nursing field in an increasingly globalized world of interdependent and interconnected nations and individuals. The primary aim of this specialty is to provide culturally congruent nursing care. To be an effective transcultural nurse, you should possess the ability to recognize and appreciate cultural differences in healthcare values, beliefs, and customs. Transcultural nurses shouldn't only be familiar with patients’ religious customs, values, and beliefs but also how someone's way of life, modes of thought, and unique customs can immensely affect how they deal with illness, healing, disease, and death.
How to Become a Transcultural Nurse
Put simply, transcultural nursing focuses primarily on culturally sensitive and inclusive healthcare. Transcultural nurses help their patients by providing culturally sensitive care to patients from all around the globe. These nurses often treat patients who are migrants, immigrants, or refugees. Transcultural nurses work not only in foreign countries but also right here in our diverse cities, applying their knowledge to their local nursing positions and sometimes helping integrate their philosophies into nursing practices at clinics and hospitals.
What Are the Schooling Requirements for Transcultural Nurses?
Transcultural/Intercultural nurses must begin their careers by obtaining licenses as registered nurses (RNs). Essentially, two educational pathways lead toward licensure. Prospective transcultural nurses can begin their educational process by earning either a four-year Bachelor's of Science in Nursing (BSN) or by earning a two-year Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) at an accredited school. Upon obtaining either of these educational degrees, one must then take and pass the NCLEX-RN (Nursing Council Licensure Examination). The last step is to apply with the state's licensing agency to become a fully licensed nurse.
Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?
Because transcultural/intercultural nursing is a relatively new sub-specialty of nursing, certification in the field has only been available since 1987. Although certification is voluntary, most employers see it as necessary for employment. A certification in transcultural nursing demonstrates a registered nurse's commitment to mastery of the specialty. Furthermore, it exhibits to co-workers and future patients that your knowledge and skill level are both current and up to par with national standards. Advanced and basic transcultural nursing certifications are available via the Transcultural Nursing Society. However, those seeking advanced transcultural/intercultural nursing certification will first need to complete a master's degree or doctorate in nursing to be qualified. Here is a table that shows the various requirements for becoming a transcultural/intercultural nurse and the range of time you can expect for each milestone:
| Requirement | Description | Timeline | Notes |
| Registered Nurse (RN) Licensure | Completing a nursing program (ADN or BSN) and passing the NCLEX-RN exam | 2-4 years (ADN: 2 years, BSN: 4 years) | Licensure obtained from the state nursing board after passing the NCLEX-RN |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) | Undergraduate nursing degree providing foundational knowledge and skills | 4 Years | Some programs offer accelerated BSN for those with a non-nursing bachelor's degree (12-18 months) |
| Clinical Experience | Gaining practical experience in diverse healthcare settings | 1-2 years (post-RN licensure) | Recommended to work in multicultural environments |
| Transcultural Nursing Certification (CTN-A, CTN-B | Certification demonstrating expertise in transcultural nursing | Preparation: 1-2 years, Exam: 1 day | Certification from the Transcultural Nursing Society; CTN-A for associate level, CTN-B for bachelor's level |
| Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a focus on Transcultural Nursing | Advanced degree with a focus on cultural competence in nursing | 2-3 years (post-BSN) | Programs may include coursework in cultural competence, research, and advanced practice |
| Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in Nursing | Highest level of nursing education with a focus on transcultural nursing research and practice | 3-5 years (post-MSN) | Emphasizes leadership, advanced clinical practice, and research |
Research Transcultural Nursing DNP Programs.
What Does a Transcultural Nurse Do?
Transcultural nurses seek to provide culturally congruent and competent care to their patients. Culturally congruent care means providing care that fits the patient's valued life patterns. Since this will vary from culture to culture, transcultural/intercultural nurses are expected to be familiar with a wide variety of cultures and their corresponding values. Providing culturally competent care also refers to the ability of the transcultural nurse to bridge cultural gaps in care, as well as working with cultural contrast to enable clients and families to bring about meaningful care.
Where Do Transcultural Nurses Work?
Transcultural/Intercultural nurses can be found working in the following settings:
- Hospitals
- Community clinics
- Outpatient facilities
- Public health organizations
- International aid organizations (Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, etc.)
- Educational institutions
What Are the Roles and Duties of a Transcultural Nurse?
The functions and obligations of transcultural/intercultural nurses include, but aren't limited to, the following:
- Communicate with foreign patients and their loved ones
- Educate families on patients' medical status
- Act as a bridge between a particular patient's culture and healthcare practice
- Determine the patient's cultural heritage and language skills
- Determine if any of the patient's health beliefs relate to the cause of their illness or problem
- Collect information on any home remedies the person is taking to treat their symptoms
- Understand the influence of culture, race, and ethnicity on the development of social and emotional relationships, child-rearing practices, and attitudes toward health
- Collect information about the socioeconomic status of the family and its influence on their health promotion and wellness
Transcultural Nurse Salary & Employment
The employment outlook for nursing is most promising in each of its many specializations—including transcultural nursing. Even amidst global economic downturns, the healthcare field continues to grow at a semi-rapid pace. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nursing profession as a whole is predicted to increase 6 percent by 2032. Additionally, based on the BLS’ statistics, you can expect to make an average of $75,330 per year. According to the American Nurses Association, because large numbers of currently employed nurses are nearing retirement age, the increasing demand for nurses should continue. Furthermore, as Western countries continue to become more and more diverse with people from different religions, cultures, and races, demand for transcultural / will inevitably expand. Below are a range of salaries you could potentially take advantage as a transcultural/intercultural nurse:
| Yearly Salary | |
| Bottom 10% | $53,410 |
| 25th Quartile | $61,630 |
| Median | $75,330 |
| 75% Percentile | $93,590 |
| Top 10% | $116,230 |
Helpful Organizations, Societies, and Agencies
- Transcultural Nursing Society
- Journal of Transcultural Nursing
- International Medical Interpreters Association
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health
