Reference no: EM133296531

Case: As an admitting nurse of a traditional Japanese college student, I would need to keep in mind the customs of the Japanese culture regarding health are vastly different than Western medicine. The Japanese culture has a strong concept of shame that flows through all areas of their life including health. Illness is considered unclean often treated with a more natural and holistic approach compared to western medicine. They also believe in a mind body connection. Illness can be a cause of an interruption in their internal energy. (Blanch, 2018).

Cognitive development at nineteen is not yet complete. The nurse needs to keep in mind this patient is not at their full potential of thought process, decision making, or problem solving. (Falkner, 2018). Being thorough with patient instructions and education can help the patient from making impulsive decisions about their care without fully understanding what is happening. If possible, be in contact with the patient's family with the patient's consent. It is not uncommon in this culture for the father to make the decisions for all members of the family even when they would be considered and adult by American standards. (Blanch, 2018).

If a language barrier is noted, using interpretive services is necessary to admit the patient and all the information needed. Larger hospitals have inhouse interpretive services while more rural hospitals may need to use a phone service to communicate with the patient. This will allow for the nurse to ask all information needed for admission and knowing the patient fully understands what is happening. It also gives the patient confidence in asking questions and knowing the interpreter can relay the information correctly.

JASSI is a Japanese American Social Service developed to help and support Japanese Americans who need assistance due to language and cultural barriers. Their bilingual staff provides culturally sensitive assistance. The Japanese and United States differ tremendously in medical insurance and care. Utilizing this service would allow for the patient to receive help with medical issues with the understanding of her culture and the process of the American health care system