Rising to the Challenge: Cultural Safety in Nursing

Running head: NURSING
NURSING
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

NURSING1
How will you rise to the challenge and implications for your future practice as a health
professional?
Maintenance of cultural safety forms an integral aspect of rendering positive and
effective care delivery. Research studies in this regard have stated that lack of cultural
competence and poor consideration of cultural and ethnic preferences have contributed to
reduced access to health care services (Goldman & Trimmer, 2019; Coffin, 2007). According
to a report published by Noble et al. (2017), it has been mentioned that the access to primary
healthcare services for the community members of the Aboriginal and Torres Islander is less
than 52%. The primary reason that was reported comprised of cultural discrimination being
practiced by care professionals (Best & Fredericks, 2017). Further, another important factor
that resulted in reduced access to healthcare facilities included the significant influence of the
pre-existing influence about superstitions and traditional medicinal therapies and a negative
notion about medical interventions.
As a nursing professional, I would treat indigenous patients (patients belonging to
aboriginal and Torres Islander community with dignity and respect. Further, I would ensure
that the practice is compliant with the standard 2 of the NSQHS standards, which stresses
upon the maintenance of a positive therapeutic relationship with the client
(Safetyandquality.gov.au, 2019). The standard further expects care professionals to be
considerate about the specific cultural background and preferences of the patients and devise
an effective care plan to acquire positive care outcome (Safetyandquality.gov.au, 2019). As a
nurse, I would conduct a background research on the aboriginal culture so as to develop an
effective understanding about the existing cultural beliefs. Further, while dealing with an
aboriginal patient whose first language is not English, I would arrange referral to an
aboriginal RN so as to ensure that the patient feels comfortable. Apart from this while
interacting with aboriginal patients, I would effectively make use of non-verbal gestures, show