That said, the cultural environment one lives in is what shapes each individual uniquely (Rew, 2014). The components of the cultural environment that influence our opinions and behaviors are: ideas, beliefs, values, religious customs and traditions. Ultimately, culturally congruent care is possible only when patient care successfully incorporates cultural values, expressions, and models that benefit the patient's needs (Alligood, 2014; Sitzman & Eichelberger, 2015). Because nurses are patient advocates, it is essential that they develop awareness and be able to recognize the specific unique needs of individual patients (Rew, 2015). However, nurses must understand that there are differences and similarities between cultures that are often not apparent to outsiders. In light of this, nurses must be willing to compromise to meet patients' needs in a non-judgmental way