IntroductionCultural competence in nursing is crucial for providing effective health care. Social Identity is the degree to which they identify with their professional group. Identifying with the group of nursing professionals allows nurses to connect with norms and values that favor the development of cultural competence. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between social identity and the level of cultural competence of nursing professionals.MethodologyThis was a cross-sectional correlational study (n = 211). Sociodemographic data were measured, and Cameron's social identity scales and a cultural competence measurement scale were used. The data were analyzed using correlations and a structural equation model.ResultsThe structural equation model demonstrated good fit (CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.928 WRMR = 0.952, RMSEA = 0.058). The model indicated positive and significant relationships between social identity, cultural skills, and knowledge. However, it also revealed a negative and significant relationship between social identity and cultural awareness.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that greater identification with the nursing profession by nursing professionals is associated not only with higher levels of cultural knowledge and skills but also with lower levels of cultural awareness. This finding may be due to the fact that individuals seek to reinforce their professional identities when they feel that acknowledging their own personal biases represents a threat.Clinical RelevanceThis study contributes to the understanding of how social identity can be related in a different way to the components of cultural competence. This work recognizes the challenges in developing cultural awareness in nursing and suggests that its findings can inform interventions to improve patient care and relationships.