Understanding culture and diversity principles are essential in the professional nurse’s work. It allows her to elaborate the individual approach to every patient and find the optimal way of communicating with the particular person in a respectful and caring manner. Therefore, the adequate assessment of the attitudes, beliefs, and values of various populations is critical in finding a way to talk to different people. Paying enough attention to the equations of spirituality and cultural concerns makes healthcare more oriented toward the particular patient’s needs. Therefore, it improves the patient’s experience in the hospital and increases their chances for recovery. Information and communication technologies are crucial in the nurse’s work because they allow healthcare professionals to prevent diseases, promote well-being, and interact with people effectively.
It is possible to assume that understanding the importance of communication and cultural background is the first step in becoming a professional nurse. I feel that I am now prepared to apply the diversity principles and patient-centered approach in my work. I also feel that I understand the importance of communication and informational technologies in promoting the values connected with healthcare.
A respectful attitude to cultural differences is the basis of the diverse and inclusive approach to nursing, and it requires practice. The first thing critical in the work of the professional nurse is the ability to assess the practices, attitudes, values, and beliefs of different populations in general, groups, and individuals in particular to illness and health (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2008). I assume that I can cope with this task successfully because I always keep in mind that different people have their personal views on things that I might not doubt. For instance, when I talk to a faithful Muslim woman patient, I always remember that she has a cultural ban on showing her body parts to men, even doctors or nurses (Andrews & Boyle, 2016). As a result, I would try to avoid situations when this woman would feel that she has to explain this cultural issue. At the same time, this situation shows that this patient would have a religious view of her illness and might think about it as the trial God sent to her. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid opposing this topic in communication with the Muslim patient and show a respectful attitude toward these beliefs.
A nurse is the healthcare provider responsible for spreading scientific knowledge about health and illnesses and improving public well-being. Another vital detail in the nursing profession is information and communication technologies in preventive care (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2008). I think I also cope with this task on a decent level, but still, there is much work to do in this sphere. For example, I always talk to my family and friends about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, healthy eating habits, and regular check-ups. I also show by my example that healthy habits are essential in life, and it is possible to see them on my social media accounts. At the same time, I am afraid of imposing the information people do not want to hear or see. It is complicated while use information technologies to spread the facts about health and disease prevention.
As was already mentioned, culture and spirituality are critical in forming a person’s views on health and illness. Another vital detail in nursing is culturally appropriate health promotion and spiritually appropriate communication (American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN], 2008). I feel that I am not very successful in this sphere because I use my own experience and cultural background to promote the beliefs about health (Vujanić et al., 2020). It is difficult for me to discuss these issues from the perspective of a person with a completely distinct cultural and spiritual background because I am afraid of making serious mistakes. I am not sure I am competent enough to promote the perspective I do not know. Still, I always try to acknowledge that diversity and respect for other cultures and views are the basis of professional communication in nursing. It shows that I must improve my qualifications to become a better nurse and develop my abilities to establish a respectful and professional attitude toward patients from diverse spiritual and cultural backgrounds.
The person’s cultural background determines their views on health, illness, death, disability, and other health-related questions. Religious beliefs and values the person shares are part of the cultural background that determines the person’s views on these topics. Therefore, the professional nurse should understand these distinctions people might have to communicate with them effectively and find the best way to talk to them. Patients are especially vulnerable because they feel insecure, are afraid of the diagnosis, and feel physical pain, making the individual approach to communication essential. It is the professional duty of the nurse to find the appropriate words that can soothe the patient’s pain, reassure them, or support them in a difficult moment. Communication and the ability of the nurse to analyze and use cultural information about the patient are the critical components of patient-centered care.
References
American Association of Colleges of Nursing [AACN]. (2008). The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice. Washington, DC.
Andrews, M. & Boyle, J. (2016). Transcultural concepts in nursing care. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
Vujanić, J., Prlić, N., & Lovrić, R. (2020). Nurses’ self-assessment of caring behaviors in nurse-patient interactions: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(14), 1-32. Web.