Culture is an important aspect in Nursing, this is why the need for transcultural nursing is undeniable, as they must provide care to others from various cultures and religious backgrounds, particularly in the UK as it has large multicultural societies. Although, as nurses we have our own cultural background, likewise do those we work and care for. Culture is a term that is used globally and is defined as “Constantly changing and evolving, no society or community is static. Just as language evolves so do all other aspects of culture”. (Hendry 2008)
Having an awareness of patient’s cultural background, religious beliefs and traditional customs. The most important one is having respect for the feelings of individuals and allowing them to partake …show more content…
An example of this is a Jehovah’s Witness patient may refuse a blood transfusion (Griffith, 2009) this is because of their belief; even if the result of their actions is death (Griffith 2014). In cases such as these ethical problems may arise as a healthcare professional, but the patient’s wishes have to be respected. When providing care for Jehovah's Witness patients it can become emotionally frustrating at times for nurses because we're trained to save lives by administering treatments. As nurses we will all have our own views and points, we must try to avoid transferring personal or religious views onto the patient. If the patient is a minor who is refusing lifesaving or life-sustaining treatment such as blood products, consult with the healthcare team and your ethics council to ensure that the decision to refuse this treatment is made with parental agreement and is in line with the policies and procedures.
Another eample is a Muslim patient who may prefer to receive treatment from the same sex caregiver should be asked they would prefer a male or female and their request should be respected and valued. They might find it hard to have any eye contact, hand shaking or any form of physical contact with the opposite
Having an awareness of patient’s cultural background, religious beliefs and traditional customs. The most important one is having respect for the feelings of individuals and allowing them to partake …show more content…
An example of this is a Jehovah’s Witness patient may refuse a blood transfusion (Griffith, 2009) this is because of their belief; even if the result of their actions is death (Griffith 2014). In cases such as these ethical problems may arise as a healthcare professional, but the patient’s wishes have to be respected. When providing care for Jehovah's Witness patients it can become emotionally frustrating at times for nurses because we're trained to save lives by administering treatments. As nurses we will all have our own views and points, we must try to avoid transferring personal or religious views onto the patient. If the patient is a minor who is refusing lifesaving or life-sustaining treatment such as blood products, consult with the healthcare team and your ethics council to ensure that the decision to refuse this treatment is made with parental agreement and is in line with the policies and procedures.
Another eample is a Muslim patient who may prefer to receive treatment from the same sex caregiver should be asked they would prefer a male or female and their request should be respected and valued. They might find it hard to have any eye contact, hand shaking or any form of physical contact with the opposite