Effects of the CAPS on student implicit biases and cultural competency

Nursing curriculum should nurture the empathy needed to be a patient advocate. Reducing implicit biases and increasing cultural competence, or awareness of the traits that make each population unique, are primary goals in creating such advocates. As the gap between America's richest and poorest widens, low income communities are especially vulnerable communities that need to be viewed by nurses with understanding and empathy. This study aims to measure the short term effects of Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS) on implicit biases and cultural competency regarding low income communities in undergraduate nursing students. This mixed methods study uses a sequential, explanatory design using a pre and post test followed by a focus group so that the qualitative data informs the quantitative data. At the completion of the study, a measured decrease in implicit biases and increase in cultural competency is expected. Findings will be utilized to inform current CAPS training practices.