Course Overview

This evidence-based continuing education course examines cultural competency, cultural humility, diversity, equity, inclusion, implicit bias, and patient-centered care within contemporary healthcare practice. Written for nurses practicing in Nevada, it explores how individual, interpersonal, organizational, and structural factors influence communication, access to care, clinical decision-making, patient safety, health outcomes, and the healthcare experience.

Topics include: Nevada's diverse population and the populations named in Nevada law, culture, cultural competency and cultural humility, implicit and explicit bias and the four levels at which bias operates, diversity, equity and inclusion, race and ethnicity, religion and spirituality, language access, interpreters and health literacy, culturally responsive communication (Ask, Listen, Clarify, Adapt), gender identity, sexual orientation and LGBTQ+ affirming care, disability, ableism and accessibility, mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, neurodiversity, children and older adults, Nevada mandated reporting for children and vulnerable adults, veterans and military culture, and trauma-informed care.

Each section includes case-based self-check questions with rationales, and the course concludes with a 10-question post-test. Emphasis is placed on intersectionality and practical strategies nurses can use to recognize bias, reduce barriers, communicate respectfully, and provide culturally responsive and affirming care to every patient.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe foundational concepts of cultural competency, cultural humility, diversity, inclusion, and implicit bias as they relate to healthcare practice.
2. Identify individual, interpersonal, organizational, and structural factors that may contribute to health disparities and inequitable healthcare experiences among diverse patient populations.
3. Recognize how culture, identity, lived experience, and intersectionality may influence patients' healthcare experiences, communication, preferences, and access to care.
4. Select culturally responsive and patient-centered communication and care strategies for individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, religious, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, mental health, and veteran populations.
5. Apply strategies to reduce bias, address barriers, and promote respectful, equitable, and inclusive healthcare environments.

Key Features

Course Author: Vanessa Cameron, PhD, RN. Nurse Planner: Joanna Nolte, APRN, MSN, ANP-BC, FNP-BC, Accredited Provider Program Director. No conflicts of interest to disclose.

Release date: November 1, 2026. Expires October 31, 2029.