Cultural Competency and Healthcare Disparities Cultural competency has been defined as the ability to recognize and respond to health-related beliefs and cultural values in a manner that results in culturally-appropriate and effective treatment to address disease incidence (Wright, 2008). Additionally, it requires a deep respect for cultural differences and an interest in learning and accepting different perspectives and beliefs. As patient advocates, nurses must utilize a process, rather than focus on a result, that allows them to operate within the cultural context of the patient and their family (Ndiwane, 2004). (Cross, Barzon, Dennis, & Isaacs, 1989) defined five elements essential to any institution or agency’s cultural competency efforts. They propose that in order to successfully
There is a need to devise a strategy to communicate that would promote empowerment, building on existing strengths so as not to reinforce a sense of helplessness and power imbalance. Studies have showed that by using verbal and non verbal communication techniques appropriately can help us nurses/carers and families to communicate and enhance the communication experience for Mr Kee. For example we should create conducive environment, listen carefully to what he is trying to say, observing his body language, using positive body language to convey warmth and reassurance, speaking slowly, using short and simple words, give Mr Kee opportunities to talk in indirect ways and to express himself, I tried emphasis the need for us nurses/support worker to be creative, adaptable and skilful to avoid disempowering Mr Kee because of his communication impairment (Allan 2001, Feil & DeKlerk-Rubin 2002 and Alzheimer’s Association 2005). ‘One of the ways in which people with dementia are disempowered in communication is that of being continually outpaced, having others speak, move and act more quickly that they are able to understand or match’ (Killick and Allan, 2001, pp.
“This article provides the reader with a framework in which to take a full and comprehensive history from a patient” as stated by (Lloyd & Craig, 2007, p. 42). Several skills the nurse needs to possess is good communication, not making the patient fell intimidated or hurried, proper environment, and performing the history process in a sequential order. The first thing the nurse must do is prepare the environment for the history taking process. This area needs to be a neutral place that the patient is comfortable, safe, and free of interruptions. (Lloyd & Craig, 2007, p. 42) stated, “It is essential to allow sufficient time to complete the history.
The traditional approach includes collecting subject matter on “biographical data, present health concerns (or present illness) and the chief complaint, past history, family history, review of system and patient data” (Farrell & Dempsey, 2010, p. 74). The assessment interview builds the foundation of the nurse and patient relationship. Building good rapport with the patient will alleviate any stress, anxiety or discomfort the patient may be feeling. The patient will be asked personal questions and at times may not understand or may not want to divulge information about their personal life/situation. As a nurse being open and honest, explaining why this type of information is necessary and asking open-ended questions will help prompt the patient to disclose the facts required, expedite the process and be fundamental in performing a successful assessment (Springhouse, 2004).
Clinical placement can function as a gap between theory and practice in basic nurse education (McKenna, n.d.). It helps students to develop professional knowledge, clinical nursing skills and attitudes -- the three crucial factors for a competent nurse (Fawcett & McQueen , 1993). It may also arouse their interests in particular specialties. From the economical aspect, it can also reduce turnover rate to cut down the training cost for junior nurses. Since the positive clinical experience can highly can give them job satisfaction and sense of self-actualization.
The name of SU and areas of work will remain anonymous to maintain patient confidentiality, in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s regulations (NMC 2008). Reflective practice is a process of which we can gain knowledge and learn from our experiences. It is an essential part of development for assisting students to identify the links between theory and practice and understand how learning can transpire from experience; this increases the ability to improve knowledge and skills (Jasper 2003). Rolfe et al. (2001) explore how and why we learn by practice if we reflect on our overall experience and what the outcome uncovered, be it good or bad.
Jean Watson is someone who cares for patients and believes that they should be treated with respect. Jean Watson created a philosophy for ten carative factors for patient care and how the role of being a nurse should be. Watson believes that it is the way to satisfy certain human needs. (http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/Watson.html) The ten carative factors deal with being fair and to respect yourself and others. She believes others should have hope and faith when modern medicine can do no more to help the patient.
• Which member of the health care team spends the most time providing "hands on" care for the patient? • Differentiate between Medicare, Medicaid, HMO and PPO. • What is OBRA? How does it impact nursing assistants? • Know the desirable qualities a good nurse assistant should possess.
Listening is also a very important communication skill needed in nursing. Nurses need to have the ability to actively listen to doctors and patients’ needs to give quality care. Through listening, nurses put aside their own perceptions and demonstrate
They worry about loss of significant relationships or jobs or about being perceived as incompetent. Communication breakdown problems may show up in physical symptoms such as tension, exhaustion, and psychological symptoms.