Gibb’s Reflection Model on Stolen Generation of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders

This essay reflects on the clinical incident where patient care was affected by the stolen generation of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders using Gibb’s reflection model. It discusses the impact of stolen generation on the mental and physical health of Indigenous people and the need for cultural awareness and competency in nursing. The essay also highlights the gap between theory and practice in addressing the issue of stolen generation.

Running head: BACHELOR OF NURSING
Bachelor of nursing
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

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Introduction
The essay deals with the Gibb’s reflection model, which is used as framework for
reflecting on the clinical incident where the patient care was affected by the stolen generation of
the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander. Refection is an important skill for nursing to evaluate
their strengths and weakness (Gibbs, 1988).
Description
I have been educated on experiences of the cultural background and the traumatic events
faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. Throughout the semester, I had learning
and awareness of the experiences of the Indigenous people which drastically impacted my
perspective towards them and rationale for their health issues. On gaining the knowledge of
stolen generation of the Indigenous people, I have realised the reason for their mental health
issues. The same was also narrated by my fellow nurses who closely worked with these people.
Stolen generation refers to removing children from their families due to Aboriginal background.
The parents were lied that the children will soon be returned after education but they were soon
made slaves to the rich Caucasian families. The culture of the Indigenous and Non-Indigenous
people are different in several aspects. These children were then mistreated (Funston & Herring,
2016). It means the Indigenous children went through horrific measures that had great impact on
their overall wellbeing. I learned that these community people were found to be high represented
in the mental health problems and different chronic illnesses

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Feelings
Though chary in discussing this issue, I could think fairly and work through the
conclusion. I felt guilty about the children’s experiences and their parents on being aware of the
severity of the issue. However, I could restore my composure as I have no control over the
matter. However, I was satisfied with the government’s move on the issue. The federal
government did apologise for the past mistake and injustices in this matter (Terszak, 2015).
Although history is filled with injustice events it is highly distinguished from the current events.
As a nurse I feel more responsible to work towards the common good of the victims of the stolen
generations, and then I was before. However, I also feel it is difficult to compensate on an
individual basis considering the discrimination against these children. I personally do not believe
in discrimination and health care inequity. My feelings have changes on learning these
experiences of Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders. I feel nursing is beyond proceeding with
clinical regime. I could realise with the help of the readings that experiences like stolen
generations had great impact on Indigenous people because they hold great values associated
with conformity, traditions, and security. It changed my perception that their cultural values and
beliefs would not be the strong determinants of behaviour of present children and adults.
Evaluation
I feel that the evidence related to the child welfare in NSW is conclusive in regards to the
issue of stolen generation, because the literature two supports the fact that the children with
mixed races were treated differently (Pilger, 2014). This made me unhappy, yet I am please to
know the factors affecting the health of the people who were stolen. It includes low self esteem,
loneliness, loss of identity, legal problems, poor education, poor access to medical services, legal
issues, lack of trust, difficulty in identifying with their religious beliefs (Pilger, 2014). These

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people are often found with internal guilt, anger resentment that may be the cause of increased
prevalence of alcohol abuse, depression, relationship problems, difficulty parenting, violence,
criminal offence and others. These factors also affected those who were not stolen I was pleased
to learn as it could affect the nursing in the positive manner. I can consider these factors when
treating the patients and designing the care plan. So, I feel this area needs improvement as I lack
detailed cultural awareness of aboriginals.
Analysis
In theory there are multiple types of discrimination against Indigenous people, however,
today there are various legislations and national policies in place to deal with the issue. There are
various health care originations working hard to address the cultural needs of stolen generations.
There is more number of nurses training programs to address the cultural barriers then in history.
Development of the NMBA standards and NMC code of conduct for nurse’s well guides the
culturally appropriate care for the stolen population. However, the theory is not well
implemented into practice. In 2013, 66% of the children in the Northern Territory were taken
away from their culture and community. One third of the Aboriginal children were removed to
non-Aboriginal homes (Cuthbert & Quartly, 2013). It means the cruelty still continues and there
is great difference between theory and practice.
Conclusion
I have learnt that my cultural values and beliefs are different from that of the stolen
generation. I do not believe in gender discrimination and racism. I believe in respecting people
irrespective of their traditions, language, colour and community. I can conclude from my
education that my values and beliefs will help me in the treating the patients belonging to stolen

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generations. I can conclude from my experience that I need to develop my cultural competency
and cultural awareness to ensure safety and quality of the health care.
Action plan
In future encounter with the patients of the stolen generations, I would like to deal with
them in culturally competent manner to ensure safety and maintain their rights and dignity. I
would like to attend the workshops and seminars to gain more cultural awareness and skills on
handling conflicting values and beliefs with the patients. It will help in future to adhere to the
ethics code of conduct and nursing standards. I will participate in national conferences on mental
health related to Aboriginals to learn their mental health needs. It will help me in continuous
professional development (Pool, Poell & ten Cate, 2013). I will participate in the community
events to volunteer for stolen generations (Van der Ploeg et al., 2012). It will improve my
knowledge on mental and physical health needs as well cultural bias experienced by them. I can
in future develop strategies to eliminate discrimination in regards to the health care access.

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References
Cuthbert, D., & Quartly, M. (2013). Forced child removal and the politics of national apologies
in Australia. The American Indian Quarterly, 37(1), 178-202.
Funston, L., & Herring, S. (2016). When Will the Stolen Generations End? A Qualitative Critical
Exploration of Contemporary'Child Protection'Practices in Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Communities. Sexual Abuse in Australia and New Zealand, 7(1), 51.
Gibbs, G. (1988). Learning by doing: A guide to teaching and learning methods. FEU.
Pilger, J. (2014). Another stolen generation: How Australia still wrecks Aboriginal families. The
Guardian.
Pool, I., Poell, R., & ten Cate, O. (2013). Nurses’ and managers’ perceptions of continuing
professional development for older and younger nurses: A focus group
study. International journal of nursing studies, 50(1), 34-43.
Terszak, M. (2015). Orphaned by the colour of my skin: a stolen generation story. Routledge.
Van der Ploeg, E. S., Mbakile, T., Genovesi, S., & O'Connor, D. W. (2012). The potential of
volunteers to implement non-pharmacological interventions to reduce agitation associated
with dementia in nursing home residents. International psychogeriatrics, 24(11), 1790-
1797.

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