nur 505 culture class discussion 2
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St. Thomas University *
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505
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Medicine
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Dec 6, 2023
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After studying Module 2: Lecture Materials & Resources, discuss the following: Describe the
importance of folk medicine practices and folk healers to African Americans in the rural setting.
Mrs. M., a Mexican American who just gave birth, tells the nurse not to include certain foods on
her meal tray because her mother told her to avoid those foods while breastfeeding. The nurse
tells her that she doesn’t have to avoid any foods and should eat whatever she desires. What
concept does this demonstrate?
Describe at least two communication barriers encountered by non-Navajo nurses when providing
care to Navajo clients.
Importance of Folk Medicine Practices and Folk Healers to African Americans in Rural Settings:
In rural African American communities, folk medicine practices and folk healers play a
significant role in healthcare. These practices are important for several reasons:
Cultural Relevance: Folk medicine is deeply rooted in African American culture and has been
passed down through generations. It often reflects the values, beliefs, and traditions of the
community, making it culturally relevant and significant.
Access to Healthcare:
In rural settings, access to conventional healthcare may be limited or
distant. Folk healers provide a local and accessible source of healthcare and may be more trusted
by the community.
Holistic Approach:
Folk medicine often takes a holistic approach to health, addressing not just
physical but also emotional and spiritual well-being. This holistic perspective is valued by many
African Americans and complements their worldview.
Trust and Familiarity:
African Americans may feel more comfortable with folk healers
who understand their cultural background and can provide care in a way that aligns with
their values and beliefs.
Historical Significance:
Folk medicine practices are a part of the historical legacy of
African Americans, connecting them to their ancestors and cultural heritage.
Community Support:
Folk healers are often respected members of the community, and their
involvement in healthcare can create a sense of unity and support among African Americans in
rural areas.
However, it's essential to recognize that while folk medicine has its merits, it may not always
provide the best solution for complex medical issues. A balance between traditional and modern
healthcare is essential to ensure the well-being of individuals in these communities.
Concept of Cultural Competence:
The concept demonstrated in the scenario where the nurse tells Mrs. M. that she doesn't have to
avoid any foods while breastfeeding is a lack of cultural competence. Cultural competence refers
to the ability of healthcare providers to understand and respect the cultural beliefs, values, and
practices of their patients.
In this case, the nurse should have been culturally competent by acknowledging and respecting
Mrs. M.'s cultural beliefs and practices related to postpartum care and breastfeeding. Instead, by
dismissing Mrs. M.'s concerns and cultural beliefs, the nurse failed to provide patient-centered
care. Cultural competence involves recognizing and valuing the diversity of patients' backgrounds
and tailoring care to meet their individual needs and preferences.
3.
Communication Barriers Encountered by Non-Navajo Nurses when Providing Care
to Navajo Clients:
When non-Navajo nurses provide care to Navajo clients, they may encounter several
communication barriers, including:
Language Barrier:
Navajo is a complex language with unique grammar and pronunciation. Non-
Navajo nurses may not be proficient in the language, which can hinder effective communication
with Navajo patients who may have limited proficiency in English.
Cultural Differences:
The Navajo culture has its own set of customs, values, and beliefs. Non-
Navajo nurses may not be familiar with these cultural nuances, which can lead to
misunderstandings or misinterpretations of patients' needs and preferences.
To overcome these barriers, non-Navajo nurses need to receive cultural competency training,
including education on Navajo culture and language. Additionally, the use of professional
interpreters or cultural liaisons can be invaluable in facilitating effective communication and
ensuring that the healthcare provided aligns with the cultural and linguistic needs of Navajo
patients.
Initial Post
African Americans, Mexican Americans, and Navajo Population’s’ Cultural Differences.
Describe the importance of folk medicine practices and folk healers to African Americans
in the rural setting.
Spiritual techniques such as witchcraft, voodoo, and magic are all part of African
American folk medicine and are still common in both urban ghettos and rural areas of the South.
The voodoo practice originated from a fusion of French and Haitian cultural elements, and these
customs have significant historical roots in areas like New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
According to this folk medicine theory, illnesses can be classified as either unnatural—connected
to witchcraft or divine vengeance—or natural—resulting from exposure to environmental
conditions. For example, some people believe that cancer is an unnatural illness brought on by
evil powers rather than environmental circumstances, which might encourage people to keep
engaging in harmful behaviors. This viewpoint differs from the traditional medical definition of
sickness, which defines it as an unhealthful physical or mental state.
Some African Americans continue to turn to various types of folk healers for advice, including
"old ladies" or "grannies" who provide herbal treatments, and "spiritualists" who combine herbal
medicines with rituals. Depending on the cultural setting, these practitioners may be male or
female, receive their responsibilities by birthright, or have special skills. The decision to consult
these practitioners for guidance does not appear to be greatly influenced by socioeconomic or
educational background. Although folk medicine has its benefits, it's important to understand that
it might not always be the greatest option for treating complicated medical conditions.
Maintaining the health and well-being of people in these communities requires striking a balance
between traditional and modern healthcare practices (Giger & Davidhizar, 2007).
Mrs. M., a Mexican American who just gave birth, tells the nurse not to include certain
foods on her meal tray because her mother told her to avoid those foods while
breastfeeding. The nurse tells her that she doesn’t have to avoid any foods and should eat
whatever she desires. What concept does this demonstrate?
A lack of cultural competency is best illustrated in the situation where the nurse informs
Mrs. M. that she doesn't need to avoid any meals while nursing. The capacity of healthcare
professionals to comprehend and honor their patients' cultural ideas, values, and customs is
referred to as cultural competency. In this instance, the nurse ought to have demonstrated cultural
competence by recognizing and honoring Mrs. M.'s cultural customs and beliefs around
breastfeeding and postpartum care. Rather, the nurse did not deliver patient-centered care because
she disregarded Mrs. M.'s concerns and cultural views. Being culturally competent entails
appreciating the variety of patients' origins and adjusting treatment to suit each person's
requirements and preferences (Giger & Davidhizar, 2007).
Describe at least two communication barriers encountered by non-Navajo nurses when
providing care to Navajo clients.
Non-Navajo nurses may run across several communication difficulties when caring for
Navajo patients, such as: language barrier and cultural disparities.
The Navajo language is difficult and has a distinct pronunciation and grammar. Effective
communication with Navajo patients with poor English skills can be hampered by non-Navajo
nurses' lack of proficiency in the language. When a Navajo interpreter is used, they need to be
familiar with both the cultural aspects of the Navajo way of living and medical terms.
The Navajo people follow unique traditions, morals, and worldviews. These cultural differences
may be unfamiliar to non-Navajo nurses, which might cause miscommunication or incorrect
interpretations of patients' needs and preferences (
Carrese & Rhodes, 2000).
It's important to
keep in mind that informal conversations aren't always about official matters on the first meeting.
It is important for the nurse to become acquainted with the family. When Navajo people first meet
new people, they could come across as quiet and reserved. The Navajo individual frequently
shows friendly conduct after getting to know the other person. Additionally, Navajos honor their
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ancestors by mentioning the clan and the area of their home while introducing themselves by
their name.
Non-Navajo nurses must undergo cultural competence training, which includes instruction in
the Navajo language and culture, in order to get beyond these obstacles. Furthermore, to ensure
that the treatment given to Navajo patients is in line with their cultural and language demands, it
might be extremely helpful to use interpreters or cultural liaisons (Giger & Davidhizar, 2007).
References
Carrese, J. A., & Rhodes, L. A. (2000). Bridging cultural differences in medical practice. The
case of discussing negative information with Navajo patients.
Journal of general internal
medicine
,
15
(2), 92–96. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1525-1497.2000.03399.x
Giger, J. N., & Davidhizar, R. E. (2007, September 1).
Transcultural Nursing - Text and E-Book
Package: Assessment and Intervention
. Mosby.