Globalization processes have strong health consequences that are becoming common worldwide, such as migratory processes, the spread of transmissible diseases, the coexistence of chronical non-transmissible diseases, population aging, and the strong health care inequality. All these phenomena challenge nursing professionals to develop cultural competence in order to impact the health outcomes of the individual, families and communities. Using a secondary sources review methodology, a search was made for scientific and updated information available in scientific databases in the area of health, as well as related social and human sciences. Cultural competencies significantly challenge all nursing professionals since their link with quality care and the scope of health achievements are undeniable when care congruent with the culture of the individual, family and community is provided.