American Culture In Healthcare

“Health is influenced by culture and beliefs” (NRS-429V, 2011, p. 1). In order for the nurse to properly care for the patient, she must know and understand the patient’s culture. “Cultural care is a comprehensive model that includes the assessment of a client’s cultural needs, beliefs, and health care practices” (NRS-429V, 2011, p. 1). It is not enough to just know where the patient lives or where he came from. The nurse must embrace the concept of cultural competence and cultural awareness. This requires not only the awareness of the cultural beliefs and values of their patients, but also

Nurses have to be culturally competent, they need to assess their individual values and beliefs about health and health care; otherwise, nurses might assume that all cultures share western premises and values. In order to be considerate to an individual, nurses must remember that beliefs and values influence individuals and families health care decisions. Nurses and healthcare providers should stay up to date on the diversity of patient culture, if they plan to be effective (Grand Canyon University. 2011).

We will consider three families of differing cultural heritage, and explore how each of these cultures influences perceptions of health care.

Cultural competence is important while dealing with patients from different cultures. Being culturally competent enables nurses to effectively care for people regardless of their background which may be from anywhere around the world. Len Sperry defines cultural competence as “the capacity to draw effectively upon cultural knowledge, awareness, sensitivity and skillful actions in order to relate appropriately to, and work effectively with others from different cultural backgrounds” (Sperry, 2012, pg.3) ¬¬ Cultural competence and class standards are connected because cultural competence is needed in order to adequately follow the CLAS standards. CLAS stands for culturally and linguistically appropriate services. Therefore, I believe it is only culturally competent healthcare workers that can deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate services.

If a patient of Cuban descent is assigned, specific nursing considerations are needed such as maintaining eye contact, using body language to help explain any teachings, making the family feel as involved as possible, and keep in mind that the family’s opinion is considered very important. One characteristic of the Cuban culture that must be considered when providing culturally congruent care is eye contact, body language, and talking in close proximity is very important when communicating. A second characteristic is family is very important, the family’s opinion is highly regarded. A third characteristic is the females of the household are the caretakers, therefore, any information about a child’s health or past medical history

Discussion on Cultural Care For nurses to genuinely provide culturally competent care they must be able to perform their duties with sensitivity in mind. In other words, nurses have to look beyond their value and belief system, and be receptive to other cultural beliefs in order to establish quality care. There will always be distinct differences in personal habits and behaviors, therefore nurses need to acknowledge and appreciate others for who they are,

I enjoyed reading your insights on some of the cultural aspects that influence the healthcare perceptions of the Hispanic population. I also chose this ethnic group for my discussion so it was interesting to see the information that you found. For Ohio nurses, I think it’s essential to learn about these influences because statistics show that the Hispanic population is growing in every county except for one. Immigration is playing a part but the main increase is coming from the birth rate of children of first-generation immigrants. They are becoming adults and are having their own children, which is boosting the overall population.

Culturally competent is acknowledging persons cultural practices and beliefs, therefore, respecting each patient's cultural difference. It is essential for nurses to be aware and have the knowledge and conscious regarding their patients culture practices and beliefs also how it may affect their health care.

I agree with your post about the competence which always involves having an open mind, and being respectful when dealing with different cultures. Learning, accept and respect other cultures is an important step for having new experiences and learning about the world. Each patient requires respect and acceptance as a human being. Another important factor is the communication, which is the corner stone of nurse patient relation. The purpose of the relationship is to help the patient, to promote healing, and to support functioning. Provide Cultural Competence Training for Employees is also important factor. Training also should be included as part of new-hire training and/or annual competency review. The main reason is the cultural competence

Communication is a necessity in today’s society, if displayed and presented effectively communication can be a positive

The US is a multinational country where different nationalities endeavor to assimilate to not usual conditions for them. Polish and Haitian people have been both part of the US population during the long historical period. Nevertheless, those two nationalities abide a great example of how different nationalities even after long life in the US are totally different and react on various challenges differently. As a consequence, healthcare culture is not an exception since Polish and Haitian healthcare practices and beliefs varies on bounteous stages but have the same result – passivity and neglecting

People around the world has different beliefs. There have been issues between healthcare professionals and patients due to cultural incompetence. Hospitals are trying to find ways to improve their quality of care by hiring nurses overseas. Cultural competence is an ability to learn and understand the difference of languages and culture around the globe (Murphy, 2011). Nurses should acquire this skill before attending their patients.

Cultural impacts us through many areas of our lives. In my own life my habits such as grief response, food habits, language barriers, pain response, and time orientation. Cultural differences have been very interesting in my life with my husband and his family. I remember in the beginning how we both did a lot of things to please one another. I learned to speak Spanish to understand his grandparents and talk to them. I love them as if they were my own grandparents. We grew to like a lot of things that were different from what we were use to especially foods. I learned how to prepare some foods to name a few they are tamales, tortilla soup, and what is suppose to be enchiladas, is now my famous enchilada casserole. That is because I can’t get them to stay rolled up. And my husband

Culture, society and health are three different variables that not only involve and is part of only one context towards the patient health care. These patients present unique behaviors and thoughts regarding the experience of the disease, as well as particular notions about health and therapeutics. These particularities do not come from biological differences, but from sociocultural differences. In short, one assumes that everyone has culture, and that it is the culture that determines these particularities. Equally, it is maintained that the issues inherent to health and disease should be thought from the specific sociocultural contexts in which they occur. The ideology of an ethnocentric health care does not meet ethic and compassion in the

Nowadays, nurses not only need to know how to care of their patients, but they also must be able to care of patients from other cultures with many beliefs and values. Cultural views of individual influence the patient’s perception and decision of health and health care (Creasia & Parker, 2007). In order to care for people across different languages and cultures, nurses need to develop cultural sensitivity, knowledge, and skills.