The second week of this course included a discussion topic about diving deeper and examining nursing values, our individual culture, and how they come together.

Original Post:

“Respect” was the word I was instantly drawn to from my top ten values.  For the first time in my life recently I was in a position where I had to be a patient in the hospital.  To say that I was scared would be an understatement.  I had a very negative experience and this has inspired me to do better.  I believe that I have always been conscientious of respecting patient’s privacy, to explain what I am doing before I do it, and to use health teaching when appropriate however I know there are times when I do not do that.  I could give reasons (or excuses) like it is a busy medical floor, no one is perfect.. etc but is that good enough?  Respect is the word I have chosen because of the overriding message that when you respect your patient, yourself, your practice - you are better.  I have created a workcloud about my experience as a patient.  According to Srivastava (2006), cultural challenges are born out of the differences in values, beliefs, and expectations between healthcare providers and their patients.  I do not feel that it was a cultural difference that was the source of conflict but a difference in values - my perspective has changed. 

Original Post

Nurses must demonstrate culturally competent care when interacting with patients.  According to the College of Nurses (CNO), therapeutic communication strategies include recognizing that effectively establishing a relationship that is therapeutic affects the patient’s wellbeing and in order to do so, the nurse must be able to demonstrate respect and sensitivity for the patients choices.  A patients choices will have come from their individual values, beliefs, culture and even religion (CNO, 2006).  A communication strategy that can help a nurse to build a therapeutic relationship with someone who speaks another language includes using an interpreter (CNO, 2009).  Using an interpreter can be done respecting the clients wellbeing and choice by using the following strategies set out in the Culturally Sensitive Practice Standard (2009).  Seeking permission first to use an interpreter will help build trust.  Maintaining confidentiality is a priority, and finally, speaking directly to the patient rather than the interpreter will maintain trust.