Reference no: EM133649521
Assignment:
Canada is a known for its multiculturalism and rich diversity. As nurses, we have the privilege of caring for patients from diverse cultural, religious, and geographic backgrounds. This is one of the things that make Canada a beautiful country, but the lack of knowledge of the preferences and needs of others can create challenges; especially for nurses, who care for patients in incredibly vulnerable moments and throughout the milestones of their lives. Culture and religion can impact the expectations that patients have of their healthcare experience. By being aware of our inherent biases and values, but also being aware and sensitive to the needs of others, we can enhance the service we deliver to those in our care.
Consider the following scenario of a male-identifying patient with strong cultural and religious preferences, who just received a total hip replacement. He is recovering from his operation in a hospital near his home. The nursing staff are increasingly frustrated; feeling like they are having to make many accommodations for his needs.
· This patient is devout with his prayers but because of the nature of his surgery, it is difficult for him to take a shower or bathe himself. When preparing for prayer, he needs to cleanse himself and he declines the help of female nurses. Finding a male nurse or healthcare aids to assist him to bathe has been a staffing challenge. His prayer times are at specific times of the day, and he needs to have a nurse help him get out of bed, but he has complained that his nurses cannot always make it there in time to assist.
· Because of religious requirements, he does not eat pork. The cafeteria food often contains pork products or by-products, it is hard to find food that fits his needs to ensure he eats well balanced meals. Medication provided to him must not have any pork products or alcoholic substances-this limits some of his treatment.
· He has many relatives that visit him every day; as a result, the patients that share his room complain about the noise, level of activity, and lack of privacy.
Discussion Questions:
When considering cultural competency, Campinha-Bacote (2002) urges you to consider if you have ASKED yourself the right questions.
Awareness: Are you aware of your biases and the presence of "isms"?
Skill: Do you know how to conduct a cultural assessment, in a sensitive manner?
Knowledge: Do you know about different cultures' worldview?
Encounters: Do you have sacred encounters with people from cultures different that yours and are you committed to resolving cross-cultural conflicts?
Desire: Do you "want to" become culturally competent?
This mnemonic can help nurses informally assess their level of cultural competemility - or the blending of cultural humility and cultural competence (Transcultural C.A.R.E Associates, 2022).
1. What are 3 questions you could ask to better understand your patient's cultural belief, values, and needs?
2. Describe the difference between cultural awareness, knowledge, and skill, providing examples.
3. How do my own values, beliefs and culture impact your practice?
4. What are some ways that you can increase your cultural competency? What SMART goal indicating your intention to develop this competency over the next three weeks can you come up with
5. Challenges and Optimism in Healthcare: Provide a Comprehensive Analysis of this Patient Scenario including learning needs and discussion.