Introduction
Regarding the current impact of globalization and cultural diversity in medicine, healthcare, and nursing, much attention is paid to the conditions under which different ethnic groups have to work. International humanitarian workers are challenged by the necessity to not only observe local problems and shortages but also to make fast decisions and participate in different processes (Chang, 2007). In this paper, a case that happened to an expatriate nurse at one of the sub-Saharan African health clinics when had to investigate the outbreaks of meningitis will be discussed.
Things to Learn
Meningitis is an infectious disease that is in the top 10 list of diseases that cause death in people of any age (Skolnik, 2016). Though humanitarian healthcare workers have to support vulnerable populations (Fraser, Hunt, Schwartz, & de Laat, 2014), the situations when such help can be offered may vary. The case under consideration helps to clarify several important things that have to be learned.
Lesson One
Despite the existing norms and standards, there are many hospitals like those in Africa where seriously ill patients are in need of medications and care (Humanitarian Healthcare Ethics, 2014). Nurses have to be ready to be asked to assist physically and deal with all their concerns and doubts to give a definite answer. The optimization of resources may begin with cooperation between the local staff and international nurses.
Lesson Two
Meningitis criteria established by the NGO and Ministry of Health can be defined as legal and credible sources to rely on when care for patients is offered. Still, social justice and human rights that are crucial for vulnerable populations (Pacquiao, 2008) may be interpreted in different ways. Therefore, nurses should learn how to deal with personal demands, professional obligations, and social concerns that may happen anytime.
Lesson Three
Finally, the case contains some new information about the actions of local nurses when they cannot deal with the present burden of the disease (Humanitarian Healthcare Ethics, 2014). They are ready to ask any person for help just to help patients. Such risks as a trust to unknown people turn out to be not as important as possible outcomes of additional help.
Things to Apply to Practice
Regarding the experience of the expatriate nurse in an African hospital, two things can be applied to nursing practice with time.
First Lesson
The goal of any humanitarian action is to prevent suffering (Fraser et al., 2014). Nurses may not think about the outcomes of their decisions in case their current step may reduce someone’s pain and suffering. Still, evaluation of all options and alternatives cannot be ignored by a professional nurse.
Second Lesson
The second thing that is present in the case improves a future nursing practice by considering the existing cultural and language diversities between people. Despite their intentions to help people, some nurses may have not enough knowledge of local cultures and languages. Therefore, the presence of a competent translator is a requirement for any humanitarian action.
Thing to Ponder
In addition to all lessons and suggestions, this case has one point that creates a question in regard to nursing practice. Is it ethically appropriate for a local nurse to ask for such help? Much attention is paid to the options and decisions of the expatriate nurses. However, I would like to know more about the priorities and standards according to which local nurses have to work.
Conclusion
In general, the case under analysis helps to clarify several important things about the conditions under which outbreaks of diseases may happen with limited resources. Quick decision making and personal attitudes are important in such situations. However, it is necessary to remember the cultural and ethical aspects of help that can be offered by nurses, healthcare providers, and other medical staff involved in humanitarian action.
References
Chang, W.W. (2007). Cultural competence of international humanitarian workers. Adult Education Quarterly, 57(3), 187-204.
Fraser, V., Hunt, M.R., Schwartz, L., & de Laat, S. (2014). Humanitarian health ethics analysis tool.Web.
Humanitarian Healthcare Ethics. (2014). ENHA case study series: Coping with outbreaks of disease with limited resources. Web.
Pacquiao, D.F. (2008). Nursing care of vulnerable populations using a framework of cultural competence, social justice and human rights. Contemporary Nurse, 28(1-2), 189-197.
Skolnik, R. (2016). Global health 101 (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.