In 2024, Tia Newell, MSN, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, Interim Associate Chief Nurse Executive at Kaiser Permanente Richmond, and Kareen Turner, MPH, RD, Area Experience Leader, launched the Culture Closet pilot program to promote culturally competent care. Recognizing the rich cultural diversity of the Richmond community, Tia and Kareen wanted to create a space where nurses could access resources to better understand and connect with their patients’ cultural needs.
The inspiration
Richmond is home to a wide range of ethnic and cultural groups, and nurses at Kaiser Permanente Richmond understand and address cultural differences in providing care. Tia and Kareen saw the need for a tool that would help nurses deliver even more respectful, patient-centered care.
The Culture Closet pilot
The Culture Closet offers nurses a collection of cultural items—like headscarves, hair supplies, and dietary guides—that help them better understand the backgrounds of their patients. It also includes books on culturally sensitive communication and practices. The pilot encourages nurses to reflect on their own cultural experiences and engage in training sessions about cultural awareness.
Early Iimpact
Nurses have already expressed more confidence in addressing cultural issues, such as respecting dietary restrictions or understanding the significance of cultural practices in health care. Patients have also felt more valued, sharing how the care they received showed an understanding of their cultural needs.
Looking ahead
The pilot program is still in its early stages, but the feedback has been positive. Tia, Kareen, and the Richmond team are evaluating its success and looking to expand the program throughout Kaiser Permanente Richmond, aligning with Richmond’s values of providing culturally competent care as a cornerstone of nursing practice. The Culture Closet is a step toward creating the most inclusive, empathetic environment at Kaiser Permanente Richmond, ensuring that every patient feels respected and understood.