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    We Are Patient Advocates

    Uploaded by

    Prashanth Padmini Venugopal
    cultural

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    We Are Patient Advocates

    Uploaded by

    Prashanth Padmini Venugopal
    27 views2 pages
    cultural

    Original Title

    cultre(1)

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

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    cultural

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    27 views2 pages

    We Are Patient Advocates

    Uploaded by

    Prashanth Padmini Venugopal
    cultural

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 2

    Cultural competence and respect for others becomes especially important for us in the

    nursing practice because we are patient advocates.


    In school, we are taught to respect the rights and dignity of all patients. As the world becomes
    smaller and individuals and societies become more mobile, we are increasingly able to interact
    with individuals from other cultures.
    How Culture Affects Healthcare
    We all begin the process of learning the behaviors and beliefs of our culture at birth. We become
    assimilated into that culture and the way that we express is often without conscious thought. Our
    culture can have a definite and profound effect on how we interact with others, and also how we
    relate to the healthcare system.
    Diversity is prevalent in our society and the patients and our co-workers in our healthcare system
    today clearly demonstrate that fact. The development of cultural competence in the nursing
    practice first requires us to have an awareness of the fact that many belief systems exist. At
    times, the healthcare practices of others may seem strange or meaningless. The beliefs that others
    have about medical care in this country, and sometimes their aversion to it, may be difficult for
    us to understand.
    We must remember that we dont need to understand these beliefs completely, but we do
    need to respect them.
    Addressing Challenges to Cultural Competency
    Barriers to cultural sensitivity in the nursing profession can include stereotyping, discrimination,
    racism, and prejudice. There are situations in which we may portray a lack of sensitivity without
    realizing it or intending to offend someone else. Simple steps such as addressing patients by their
    last name or asking how they wish to be addressed demonstrate respect.
    Here are other simple ways to promote respect:

    Never make assumptions about other individuals or their beliefs. Ask questions about
    cultural practices in a professional and thoughtful manner, if necessary.

    Find out what the patient knows about health problems and treatments. Show
    respect for the patient's support group, whether it is composed of family, friends, religious
    leaders, etc.

    Understand where men and women fit in the patient's society. In some cultures, the
    oldest male is the decision-maker for the rest of the family, even with regards to treatment
    decisions.

    Most importantly, make an effort to gain the patients trust for a stronger nurse-patient
    relationship. This may take time, but all will benefit if this is accomplished. If the patient
    does not speak your language, attempt to find someone who can serve as an interpreter.

    Cultural competence is the ability to provide effective care for patients who come from different
    cultures. It requires sensitivity and effective communication in nursing, both verbally and nonverbally.
    In the Nursing Workplace
    The important issues of recruitment into the profession should specifically include efforts to
    recruit minorities and individuals from other cultures. When working with these individuals, the
    same principles apply as those listed above. Everyone should respect each other as a part of the
    healthcare team. After all, we are working towards the same goals of providing safe patient care.
    Cultural sensitivity and cultural competence plays an important part in the nursing practice.
    Respect for others is discussed along with patient care in our basic introductory courses in
    school. It may have been a while since we heard how important it is in the development of an
    effective relationship, but unlike some aspects of the nursing practice, this will never change.

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