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The Values And Beliefs Of Different Cultures

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The values and beliefs of different cultures in the healthcare setting are fundamental in providing adequate patient care. Knowing the specifics of your patient’s culture is necessary when completing the nursing process. It is important for the healthcare provider to understand the Indian culture, how they communicate, their spiritual beliefs, specific nutritional preferences, and health risks they face. Traditionally in the Indian culture when saying hello they place their hands in the praying position while saying Namaste which means hello in their culture. Dependent upon the relationship with one another, is reflective towards the type of communication used through body language. Although similar movements and gestures are shared within our cultures there is more passion and exaggeration expressed between those who are Indian, but are detached and communicate in an opposite manner to those who are Non-Indian. Once a line of trust and mutual respect has been established, the tradition in their culture is to demonstrate gracious hospitality, but can become easily offended if their offerings are refused (Yechoor, 2012). What may not be offensive in the other cultures can be very offensive in their culture. Pointing your finger at someone may seem like a small gesture with no meaning behind it; to them however it is considered to be disrespectful. In relation to nursing and culture competency a simple head to toe assessment in the western culture is considered a standard

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