Hi, this is Edward Wang; I am currently a senior nursing student at California State University, Los Angeles. I came to America when I was ten years old and I never thought that I would choose nursing as my career. To be honest, as I'm Chinese, I thought I would become an engineer, accountant, business or any other very typical choices for the Chinese community. Now here I am, doing my best to be a part of the first line of the health care system which helps the general population to prevent disease. I am able to tell you right now that this is the best choice of my life. I never thought nursing can involve such an diversified opportunity to implement your personal strength along with your professional skills. As we are critical thinkers, professional researchers, and have a heart that is big enough to help all the ills in the world, we need to be ready for any obstacles that will come to our path to success. Wake up in the morning and tell yourself, you are the best because you are part of CNSA/NSNA. You are given the opportunity to become the best nurses with leadership, professionalism, and an organization that will back you up on your way to the top. 

Now ask yourself, are you culturally competent? To be one of the best nurses, you have to be culturally aware of our current medical system. Many of the patients that we take care of are from different cultures and countries. As Cultural Awareness Committee Chair, I would like to invite you to be a  part of this committee; Let's explore our differences and what can be done to help nurses (and nursing students) to overcome these barriers. Let us work together to bring forth the competency that all nurses should have to help our diversified population. If you would like to be part of this committee, please contact me at diversitychair@cnsa.org.

The Chair for the Committee on Cultural Awareness Shall:

1.         Advocate the need for increased culturally competent nursing practice into nursing program education curriculum throughout the state.

2.         Update and maintain a model-package for local CNSA Chapters to start their own Cultural Awareness Committee/Director positions.

3.         Assist local chapters in planning, developing, and participating in local and state education, advocacy, and awareness programs in culturally sensitive nursing practice.

4.         Coordinate break out sessions in culturally competent nursing practice at Annual Convention and Membership Meetings whenever possible.

5.         Work with all CNSA Offices/Director’s to integrate culturally sensitive awareness and education into all aspects of CNSA leadership programs.

6.         Serve as a CNSA liaison between students, staff, and the community regarding nursing issues in cultural sensitivity.

7.         Write articles related to culturally sensitive nursing care, events, and issues for each issue of Range of Motion.

8.         Update and Maintain the “Cultural Awareness Chair Updates” page on the CNSA website.

9.         Save all information, to include; data, correspondence, flyers, agendas, meeting minutes or any information that was generated or received, to support this position, and provide to incoming Chair.

10.         Report to the House of Delegates at the Annual Convention.

11.         Provide a report for each regularly scheduled Board of Director meetings.

12.         Perform other duties assigned by the President.

13.         Have an understanding of the bylaws.