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Culture and Health Care System

You are working in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) where a 16-year-old girl is in critical condition after an auto accident. Her mother comes in and begins to sing, sprinkle tobacco around the bed, hang eagle feathers and crystals around the room, and move her hands back and forth above the girl’s body. The girl’s nurse tells the mother that visiting time is over and that she should take all these dirty things out of the room.

The mother insists on staying by the bedside and says that if she had placed rosary beads or Bibles in the room, she would not have been questioned.

What cultural and spiritual issues are evident in this situation?

Apply cultural competence to this case.

Discuss complementary therapies evident in this situation.

How would you incorporate spiritual care?

How would you approach this situation?

What principles would guide you?

Use a scholarly article and use APA format.
(Culture and Health Care System)

Cultural and Spiritual Issues in the ICU

In the given scenario, various cultural and spiritual issues are evident. The mother’s actions—singing, sprinkling tobacco, hanging eagle feathers, and using crystals—reflect Indigenous cultural practices that emphasize spirituality, connection to nature, and healing. These actions may be rooted in the mother’s beliefs and traditions, which serve as sources of comfort and hope during a traumatic time for her family. In contrast, the nurse’s reaction reflects a misunderstanding and a lack of cultural competence, viewing the mother’s practices as inappropriate or “dirty.” This situation highlights the potential for cultural conflict in healthcare settings where diverse beliefs and practices intersect.

Applying Cultural Competence

Cultural competence is the ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures. In this case, applying cultural competence involves recognizing the mother’s cultural practices as valid and essential to her spiritual care for her daughter. The healthcare team should be trained to appreciate the importance of different cultural expressions in healing, particularly in critical care environments. Incorporating cultural competence would involve open communication with the family about their beliefs, finding a balance between hospital protocols and respecting the mother’s cultural practices, and involving cultural liaisons or spiritual care providers when necessary.

Complementary Therapies in the Situation

Complementary therapies are practices that support traditional medical treatments and can enhance patient care. In this scenario, the mother’s actions can be viewed as complementary therapies, as they aim to promote spiritual healing and emotional well-being for both the mother and her daughter. Singing, for instance, can have soothing effects and create a positive atmosphere, while the use of eagle feathers and tobacco may carry significant spiritual meaning. Recognizing these practices as part of holistic care can improve the overall treatment experience and patient satisfaction.

Incorporating Spiritual Care

Incorporating spiritual care into this situation requires sensitivity and respect for the mother’s beliefs. Healthcare providers should create an environment that welcomes spiritual practices and allows family members to participate in rituals that hold personal significance. This can involve facilitating private time for the mother to engage in her spiritual practices, ensuring that she feels supported rather than judged. Providing a space for discussions about the spiritual needs of the patient and family is crucial. Additionally, integrating chaplaincy services can help bridge the gap between medical care and spiritual support.

Approaching the Situation

Approaching this situation involves actively listening to the mother’s concerns and validating her emotions. It is important to engage in a dialogue that clarifies the hospital’s policies while also expressing understanding of her cultural practices. The nurse could ask the mother to explain the significance of her actions and express a willingness to find common ground. Collaborating with the mother to ensure her needs are met, without compromising patient safety or hospital regulations, would be essential.

Guiding Principles

The principles guiding this approach include respect, empathy, and collaboration. Healthcare providers should respect the cultural and spiritual needs of patients and their families, recognizing that these elements are integral to the healing process. Empathy is crucial in understanding the emotional turmoil the mother faces and providing support. Collaboration between the healthcare team and the family can foster trust and improve the overall quality of care.

Addressing cultural and spiritual issues in critical care requires a commitment to cultural competence and an understanding of the complementary therapies that families may use. By incorporating spiritual care and approaching the situation with empathy and respect, healthcare providers can create an inclusive environment that honors the diverse beliefs of patients and their families.

References

Ben Natan, M., Mahajna, M., & Mahajna, M. (2020). Cultural competence in nursing: A systematic review. International Nursing Review, 67(1), 97-106. https://doi.org/10.1111/inr.12532
Puchalski, C. M., & Ferrell, B. R. (2010). Making sense of the role of spirituality in healthcare: The FICA Spiritual History Tool. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 13(10), 1225-1226. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2010.0308

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Culture and Health Care System

(Culture and Health Care System) Should be 0ne page. Should be submitted in APA style (7th edition). Requires at least 2 outside sources (Please choose a reliable source, sources such as Wikipedia are unacceptable).

You are working in an ICU where a 16-year-old girl is in critical condition after an auto accident. Her mother comes in and begins to sing, sprinkle tobacco around the bed, hang eagle feathers and crystals around the room, and move her hands back and forth above the girl’s body. The girl’s nurse tells the mother that visiting time is over and that she should take all these dirty things out of the room.

The mother insists on staying by the bedside and says that if she had placed rosary beads or Bibles in the room she would not have been questioned.

What cultural and spiritual issues are evident in this situation? Apply cultural competence to this case. Discuss complementary therapies evident in this situation. How would you incorporate spiritual care? How would you approach this situation? What principles would guide you?

Culture and Health Care System

In the scenario presented, several cultural and spiritual issues are evident, highlighting the complexities of providing care in a multicultural healthcare environment. The mother’s actions—singing, sprinkling tobacco, hanging eagle feathers, and using crystals—reflect a spiritual and cultural practice rooted in her beliefs, likely indicative of Indigenous traditions. These actions serve as a means of connecting with the spiritual realm and seeking comfort for her critically ill daughter. The nurse’s response to these practices, labeling them as “dirty things,” suggests a lack of understanding and appreciation for the mother’s cultural context. This highlights the need for cultural competence within healthcare settings.

Cultural Competence in Care

Cultural competence involves recognizing and respecting diverse cultural beliefs and practices. In this case, healthcare providers should strive to understand the mother’s perspective and the significance of her actions. By engaging in open dialogue, the nurse could inquire about the mother’s beliefs and the importance of the rituals she is performing. This approach would foster an environment of trust and respect, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to the patient. Training healthcare professionals in cultural competence can mitigate biases and facilitate better communication with patients and families from diverse backgrounds (Campinha-Bacote, 2002).

Complementary Therapies

The complementary therapies evident in this situation include the use of tobacco, crystals, and other rituals. Tobacco is often used in many Indigenous cultures for purification and spiritual connection, while crystals may be used for healing and energy balancing. The integration of these practices into the patient’s care plan could provide emotional and spiritual support during a challenging time. Healthcare providers can incorporate these therapies by allowing space for such rituals in the ICU, provided they do not interfere with medical care. This approach aligns with holistic care, addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient and family (Bennett et al., 2018).

Incorporating Spiritual Care

To incorporate spiritual care, nurses should create a supportive environment that honors the beliefs of patients and their families. This could involve facilitating discussions about spiritual practices, allowing family members to engage in their rituals, and providing resources for spiritual support, such as chaplaincy services. The nurse could ask the mother how she wishes to care for her daughter spiritually and what would make her feel supported during this time. This collaborative approach demonstrates respect for the family’s beliefs and enhances the overall care experience (Puchalski et al., 2009).

Approach to the Situation

In approaching this situation, the nurse should prioritize effective communication and cultural sensitivity. Acknowledging the mother’s cultural practices as valid and meaningful can help bridge the gap between healthcare practices and the family’s beliefs. Establishing a respectful dialogue may allow the nurse to explain the importance of certain hospital protocols while also accommodating the mother’s need for spiritual expression. Principles guiding this approach include respect, empathy, and a commitment to holistic care.

Conclusion

Cultural and spiritual issues play a significant role in healthcare settings, particularly in critical situations. By embracing cultural competence, recognizing complementary therapies, and incorporating spiritual care, healthcare providers can create a supportive environment for patients and their families. This not only improves the quality of care but also fosters trust and healing in the face of adversity.

References

Bennett, M. I., Smith, D. W., & McCreary, C. (2018). Exploring the relationship between spirituality and quality of life in palliative care patients: A systematic review. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, 35(9), 1182-1190. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049909117751345

Campinha-Bacote, J. (2002). The process of cultural competence in the delivery of healthcare services: A model of care. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 13(3), 181-184. https://doi.org/10.1177/10459602013003003

Puchalski, C. M., Ferrell, B. R., & Otis-Green, S. (2009). Improving the quality of spiritual care as a dimension of palliative care: The report of the consensus conference. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 12(10), 885-904. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2009.0151

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Culture and Health Care System