CULTURAL VIEWPOINT EOL DISCUSSION
NURS 457 – Palliative Care
(Please see paper linked below)
Purpose of Assignment:
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To increase student awareness of cultural difference with the End of Life by investigating a cultural/religious group other than their own views aging, grieving, death, and dying.
Student Approach to Assignment:
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I approached this assignment by selecting a culture that I was intrigued by. I chose to discuss the culture of Native Americans. Then I constructed concise yet thoughtful comments regarding the cultural viewpoints. This assignment reflects my genuine interest of wanting to be more knowledgeable about different cultures.
Reason for Inclusion of this Assignment in the Portfolio:
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This assignment should be included in my portfolio because it highlights my ability to provide culturally congruent care for different types of cultures. This assignment reflects my genuine interest of wanting to be more knowledgeable about different cultures
Research
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o Applies research-based knowledge from nursing as the basis for culturally sensitive practice
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Conducting research on Native American culture is helpful in applying cultural-sensitive nursing interventions. After a family member has passed away, many American natives like to perform rituals to properly return their body to heaven, they also may tie the deceased’s hair to an eagle’s feather to symbolize their “return home” (Cacciatore, 2009). This would be much more difficult in a hospital, so the healthcare staff should provide privacy and time for the family to grieve over the body.
Culture
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Articulates an understanding of how human behavior is affected by culture, race, religion, gender, lifestyle, and age
The main points in providing care for native American Indians are: be respectful of their beliefs, build a trusting relationship, allow the patient’s family to be present, listen to the wishes of the family (they play an important role in care), do not push an advanced directive or do not resuscitate documentation (DNR) (they will not want to discuss those details in fear of causing worse health), do not mention the patient’s name after death, allow the family privacy to offer possessional items to the body, refrain from autopsies or moving the body too much, and allow family to be a part of the post-mortem care. These considerations are all influences heavily by culture.
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Demonstrates sensitivity to personal and cultural definitions of health, and how these beliefs influence an individual’s reactions to the illness experience and end of life
Native Americans believe that sickness is caused by disruption of spiritual, emotional and physical elements. Trust is something valued and death is not viewed as “bad.” Post-mortem care should be allowed for family members of the deceased patient. This culture does not believe in autopsies, as it disrupts the body and soul.
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Considers the impact of research outcomes and the effects of health and social policies, on persons from diverse backgrounds
From this assignment, I understand how the effects of health impact Native Americans. For instance, American Indians do no view dying as a “great struggle” and welcome the” elders and respected tribal individuals” to make decisions; though the family allows the patient to make the overall decision of what is wanted during the end of life (EOL) phase, they provide support throughout the entirety of the situation (Brown & Colclough, 2013). For native American Indians, family presence is the biggest concept of the EOL/dying phase. Trust is also greatly valued to this cultural group.
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Maintains an awareness of global environmental factors that may influence the delivery of health care service
Native Americans are quiet by nature and they only communicate when they feel as though s/he can trust the healthcare professional. Maintaining an honest and truthful line of communication is key with Native Americans. When dealing with different cultures from all over the world, I must use every communication-assistance device possible to ensure that the patient is understanding the information that is being presented. In clinical practice, I have used our computerized translation device enhance communication between a foreign patient and doctor.
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