Discussion

Re: Topic 4 DQ 1

It is very important for nurses to understand different cultures and their practices to be able to fully and holistic care for patients. The methods a nurse can use to gather cultural information from patients include using models. One model that can be used is Campinha-Bacote’s model that involves the nurse’s inner reflection and self-journey in providing culturally competent nursing care. This is done by asking culturally appropriate questions that help the nurse identify needs such as when the patient seeks treatment from others when ill? What fears does the patient have about their sickness or becoming ill? And what types of treatments are acceptable? The nurse also assesses the patient’s social, economic, and physical environments that contribute to the patient’s level of risk (Falkner, 2018).

According to Falkner (2018), cultural competence is to be respectful and responsive to the health beliefs and practices as well as the cultural and linguistic needs of diverse population groups (Falkner, 2018). The nurse must take the time to understand their patients’ culture in order for them to be able to relate and help their patients. In order to educate patients effectively and empower them to promote their own health, the nurse must fully engage with them and become acclimated to their specific needs (Falkner, 2018). This will enable nurses to provide holistic care to their patients resulting in better patient outcomes.

Culture is “a pattern of traditions, beliefs, values, norms, symbols, and meaning among a group of people” (Falkner, 2018). Nurses can demonstrate cultural competency in nursing practice by suspending their personal biases and fully respect patients in spite of differences, being aware of differences related to culture and adjusting plans of care accordingly as well as remaining sensitive and respectful of choices patients may make based on their culture, using Campinha Bacote’s theory explained above and Transcultural nursing which is the study of cultural competence and how to apply it to patient care on a daily basis (Falkner, 2018).

References

Falkner, A. (2018). Cultural Awareness. In Grand Canyon University (Ed.), (2018). Health Promotion: Health & Wellness Across the Continuum (Chapter 3). Retrieved from https://lc.gcumedia.com/nrs429vn/health-promotion-health-and-wellness-across-the-continuum/v1.1/#/Chapter/3

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