Exploring cultural safety with Nurse Academics. Research findings suggest time to "step up"

Background As the largest professional group employed within the health care system, the capacity for nurses to contribute to improving the health of Australian Indigenous people is substantial. Cultural safety has recently been incorporated into the national codes of conduct for nurses. Nurse academics have a key role in ensuring graduates are culturally safe practitioners. Staff capacity is a crucial consideration if cultural safety is to be embedded effectively within nursing curriculum. Aims The aim of this study was to explore capability in relation to cultural safety with Nurse Academics at a regional university in New South Wales, Australia. Design Mixed methods approach incorporating a survey and individual interviews. Methods Casual and permanent nurse academics involved in teaching the undergraduate nursing program were eligible to participate. Results Fifteen staff completed the survey and eight participated in an interview. Although the importance of cultural safety was recognised, there was a lack of comprehensive understanding and lack of confidence to teach the philosophy and practices of cultural safety. There was strong support cultural safety and anti-racism professional development. Impact statement Building staff capacity is a crucial consideration if cultural safety is to be embedded within nursing curriculum. Conclusions Cultural safety professional development is a starting point for nurses to develop their skills in providing culturally safe care and an essential step towards shifting the institutional and professional culture of the nursing profession. Research findings are clear it is time for Nurse Academics to "Step up" to effectively embed cultural safety in undergraduate nursing curriculum.