Professional Communication Cultural Sensitivity

Professional Communication Cultural Sensitivity Guide

Cultural competence can be defined as using the ability of one’s awareness, attitude, knowledge and skill to effectively interact with a patient’s many cultural differences. Madeline Leininger, a pioneer on transcultural nursing describes it this way; “a formal area of study and practice focused on comparative human-care differences and similarities of the beliefs, values and patterned lifeways of cultures to provide culturally congruent, meaningful, and beneficial health care to people” (Barker, 2009, p. 498). The importance of cultural diversity in healthcare allows for the delivery of appropriate cultural autonomy. Showing respect for others will lead to trust between nurse and patient which in turn improves healing and health.

The purpose of this paper is to educate the advance practice nurse (APN) about Navajo culture as well as how to effectively communicate holistic care to the Navajo Indian population. Recently while at work, Tara, who works in the registration department, began discussing alternative treatments for medical issues while referring to her father as a healer. Fascinated, I engaged her in conversation to assist in educating myself about her interesting culture.

Summary of Article

With a proud, rich, and distinct inspirational heritage, the Native American is one of the oldest minority groups in the United States (US). The Navajo Indian Nation (as the tribe calls itself) or Dineh (The People) is the largest Native American tribe in North America. Known as great warriors, the Navajo “grew corn, beans, and squash called Nabaju, (original name for Navajo) which translated means ‘great planted fields’” (“thinkquest.org” n.d., p.1-2). Arriving ...

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...o population we serve.

Works Cited

Barker, A. M. (Ed.). (2009). Advanced practice nursing Essential knowledge for the profession. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.

Catore, J. A. (2010). Earth, wind, fire and water [Online exclusive]. MinorityNurse.com. Retrieved from http://www.minoritynurse.com/cultural-competence/earth-wind-fire-and-water

McCauley, M. M. (2004, December). Going the distance for american indians. Nursing2004, 34(12), 46-47.

Mercer, S. O. (1996, March). Navajo elderly people in a reservation nursing home: Admission predictors and culture care practices. Social Work, 41(2), 181-189.

O’Brien, B. L., Anslow, R. M., Begay, W., Pereira, S. A., & Sullivan, M. P. (47-57). Fall. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 26(5), 47-57.

The navajo people. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://library.thinkquest.org/J002073F?thinkquest/Navajo_people.htm?tql-iframe