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Home » ETNAtalks » A long-time process, but very satisfying

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7

A long-time process, but very satisfying

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Published: 18 December 2025

Listen now to episode 7

Featuring Mirko Prosen

In this thoughtful and inspiring episode of ETNAtalks, host Juan welcomes Dr. Mirko Prosen, a nurse, sociologist, and educator from the University of Primorska, Slovenia. The conversation delves deep into transcultural nursing, cultural competence, and the evolving mindset required to deliver equitable, patient-centered care in increasingly diverse societies.

Dr. Prosen shares how his journey into transcultural nursing began during his early clinical years in obstetrics and gynecology, where he witnessed firsthand how cultural misunderstandings could endanger patients and compromise care. Frustrated by the lack of cultural training in nursing education, he turned this gap into motivation, launching a research and teaching career focused on developing cultural competence among healthcare professionals.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Prosen emphasizes that cultural competence is not achieved overnight, but through an ongoing process of reflection, awareness, and humility. He explains that students today are more open and curious about cultural, social, and religious differences – a positive shift from two decades ago – yet still face challenges in translating cultural awareness into clinical action.

He highlights three essential skills for nurses in multicultural contexts:

  – Cultural humility – acknowledging that one never knows everything.
  – Strong communication – vital in an age of digital distractions.
  – Negotiation of care – balancing respect for cultural values with patient safety.

Dr. Prosen also stresses the importance of teamwork and reflective learning, encouraging students to work with diverse peers and engage with real-life case studies to deepen understanding.

When asked about research and international collaboration, he describes leading cross-border projects as a demanding but deeply rewarding process that tests patience, confidence, and resilience. His advice to young researchers: “Don’t give up. Have a clear vision and a team you can trust.”

Looking to the future, Dr. Prosen calls for interprofessional education, systemic policy changes, and the inclusion of cultural mediators and patient voices to create more equitable healthcare systems across Europe.

He closes with a powerful reminder:

“Transcultural nursing is not a niche or a trend—it’s a moral and professional obligation. If healthcare isn’t culturally responsive, it isn’t safe, and it isn’t fair.”

The episode captures Dr. Prosen’s belief that building cultural competence is a long-time process—but a very satisfying one, both for educators and for the future of compassionate, inclusive healthcare.
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A long-time process, but very satisfying
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ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr

Mirko Prosen

PhD, MSc, BSc, RN, FFNMRCSI

Associate Professor and Senior Research Fellow at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska

Dr. Mirko Prosen is an Associate Professor and Senior Research Fellow at the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Slovenia, where he also serves as Vice Dean for Student Affairs. Holding degrees in Nursing and Social Sciences, his work bridges healthcare and sociology, focusing on women’s health, health disparities, and transcultural nursing education. A pioneer in integrating transcultural nursing into Slovenia’s curriculum, Dr. Prosen has significantly influenced international approaches to culturally competent healthcare. Beyond academia, he serves as a registered expert for the Slovenian Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education and as an External Examiner at the University of Limerick. He is an active member of several professional bodies, including the European Transcultural Nursing Association (as national representative), the European Society for Health and Medical Sociology, and Sigma Theta Tau International. An accomplished researcher and editor, Dr. Prosen has led multiple international projects and published widely on nursing education and cultural competence. His many honors include the University of Primorska Award for Inspiring Young Teacher/Researcher (2020) and the Republic of Slovenia Award for Outstanding Achievements in Higher Education (2022), recognizing his leadership in advancing transcultural education for healthcare professionals.