What major influence did immigration have on nursing practice?

Immigration has significantly contributed to the diversity of healthcare environments, leading to an increased diversity in patient care. As individuals from various cultural backgrounds enter the nursing profession, they bring unique perspectives, practices, and understanding of health beliefs that enhance the provision of care. This diversity allows nurses to better address the needs of a multicultural patient population, fostering a more personalized and culturally competent approach to healthcare.

Increased diversity not only enriches the nursing workforce but also impacts patient outcomes positively, as nurses who share cultural backgrounds with their patients can offer more empathetic care and better communication. This has been essential in developing practices that respect and incorporate patients' cultural beliefs, values, and preferences, improving the overall effectiveness of care delivered in increasingly diverse societies.