Working with People from Diverse Cultures in Nursing Practice

This document discusses the importance of cultural awareness, cultural safety, and cultural competence in nursing practice. It explores the impact of diversity on work and life in Australia, specifically focusing on social, political, and economic issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The document also provides strategies to promote understanding towards international residents and staff members.

Running head: WORKING WITH DIVERSITY 1
Working with People from Diverse Cultures in Nursing Practice
Student’s Name
Institution’s Affiliations
Date

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Working with People from Diverse Cultures in Nursing Practice
Diversity
In healthcare setting, diversity is defines as a way of appreciating and acknowledging the
differences that exist between various groups of people (Bednarz, Schim & Doorenbos,
2010).
Cultural awareness
It is the ability to identify the differences between the attitudes, backgrounds and values of
different people. Cultural awareness is pivotal in healthcare because it enables the staff to
serve clients based on their values and beliefs.
Cultural safety
This is the ability of the healthcare professionals to examine their behaviors, beliefs, and
practices to ensure that the services are provided to the patient more safely. It is important
because it promotes patient safety.
Cultural competence
The act of assessing the different cultures and incorporating them into healthcare practices
about the potential impacts of the disparity. It ensures that the needs of all people are attained.
Discrimination
It an act of favoring other people's needs more than others, therefore, creating equality
(Kottak, 2011).
Ways that residents and colleagues at a clinic or hospital may be from diverse cultures.
Different Religions
Different nationalities

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Different sexual orientation
Different races
Different languages
Different age groups
1. Factors that may lead to communication misunderstandings or other difficulties
Cultural differences among the staff and the clients in the clinical setup lead to
misunderstanding.
Cultural disparity. Different religions have different values and beliefs (Kottak, 2011).
Language differences. Language barrier is one of the factors that cause misunderstanding in
communication.
2. Three examples of ways a clinic or a hospital can be a safe and inviting place for
people from all backgrounds.
Establishing and maintaining safety culture. Acknowledging the cultural differences to
reduce conflicts in the facility.
Creating a centralized and appropriate oversight on patient safety (McCready, 2010). In
this approach, a code of behavior is enforced in the healthcare center to ensure that all staff is
participate in practices that are coherent with the patient safety policies.
I am allocating more funds for research studies on safety and implementation in the
health facility. The funds are important in ensuring effective implementation of the safety
strategies.
Diversities in Australia

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How Australia is Politically Diverse
The ideologies of these different political parties are based on the interests of the ethnic
groups present in the country.
How Australia is socially diverse
The existence of both indigenous and non-indigenous communities in the country makes it's
socially diverse
How Australia is culturally diverse
There are more than 120 ethnic groups in the country
How Australia is economically diverse
There are economic classes in the country with a lot of people being the working class.
Discuss how these different types of diversity impact work and life in Australia
The diversities in Australia creates conflicts and misunderstanding in the workplaces
because people will be focusing on their personal needs and views without considering other
people’s opinions, therefore, creating competition.
Group 1 Group 2
Type of person I felt
uncomfortable
Someone who does not
allow you to express your
opinions
Someone who quarrels with
other people
How they differ from me He/she might have been
natured differently
The use of impolite
language and failure to
apologize
Why I think I am I am uncomfortable with this appropriate ways of solving

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uncomfortable around them person because he/she
overrides most of the
discussions
conflicts
How I think what caused the
result
Diverse practices Personal practices
Similarities between them
and me
the desire to be heard working in the same facility
The most appropriate way of understanding people whom I am not comfortable with
them is acknowledging and appreciating the diversity that exists between us. To make them
happy and avoid conflicts, I will try to evaluate their cultural backgrounds and beliefs.
A. Establish and implement policies that support diversity
Acknowledge the differences and evaluate personal experiences
B.
Treating people based on sexual orientation
Favoring people from my race
Providing the best healthcare services to the rich as compared to the poor
Using impolite language while addressing patients and junior staff.
C.
Being denied an opportunity to study in an abroad
When I was forced to resign as a head of a department because of my race
Being harassed by the manager in the healthcare facility

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Being denied an employment opportunity in a hospital owned by a Muslim due to religious
diversity
9. A.
The time of discrimination identified in this case scenario is gender discrimination
because Robyn is demoted when she complained of about the inequality that existed when the
male co-workers were given more allowances than her. The acts involve demoting of
employees without valid reasons and lack of gender equality
B.
Discrimination based on age. This is because the owner of the facility allowed Adam who
was older than Maria. The acts in this case scenario are the inappropriate promotion of
employees.
c. Racial discrimination
The acts include shunning other people’s cultures.
D. this is a form of discrimination based on the abilities. It is indirect discrimination.
Denial of the position due to her disability.
10. List 2 ways of promoting the understanding towards international residents and staff
members?
I will create mentorship programs. Advise the staff on the importance of
acknowledging and appreciating the diversity of people in the organization.
Establishing friendly policies in the workplace (McSherry, MSherry & Watson,
2012).
11.

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The reasonable adjustment made in the case scenario is acknowledging the diversity.
The management appreciated her contribution, therefore, talked to the nurse who used to
work as a desk nurse to be replaced by Kim due to her condition.
12. Explain any two social, political and economic issues affecting Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people.
Social issues
Poverty leads to malnutrition among these two Australian indigenous communities.
Poor housing. The overcrowding in the villages leads to widespread infections of
communicable diseases like typhoid and amoebic dysentery.
Political issues self-determination. This issue arises from the denial of basic human rights,
therefore, violating the personality of the people.
Economic issues
Unemployment and low income. These issues reduce the ability to access quality medical and
healthcare services.
13. C. It is better to refer the patient to another clinic in case there is a language barrier.
14.
1. False
2. True
3. True
4. True
Task 2

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Scenario 1
1. The best approach to solve the issue is through indirect conversation with the
manager. Wayan should talk to someone whom she trusts. The person to be consulted
may help in providing a amicable solution to the problem. The person may also assist
in solving the issue by directly meeting the manager and talking to him about the
problem faced by Wayan.
2. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Alzayani, 2015).
3. The clinic will consult with the human resource manager so that he/she can meet with
the manager who has been discriminating Wayan. The manager will be provided
advice on the importance of appreciating diversity in the facility.
4. The manager may be demoted or fined by the law for violating the rights of the
employees due to racial diversity.
Scenario 2
5. The problem arises due to the presence of cultural diversity. Different cultures have
different eating styles and selection of food.
6. Encourage all staff especially the cook to acknowledge the presence of diversity and
appreciate the cultural beliefs and practices of other people (Zaman, 2017). Motivate
the on how to interact with other people in the healthcare setup and avoid harassment
of the clients. Another strategy to apply is employing other cooks to assist the current
cook in the meal preparation activities.
7. The issue should be reported to the head of the gathering unit while consultation
should be made from the Human resource department.
Scenario Three
Personal strategies for bringing mutual understanding in nursing practice

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Openly discussing some of the problems and barriers that affect communication. This
strategy focuses on identifying the weaknesses of new colleague nurse and other team
members in the communication. Advising the team members to respect adhere to what the
new nurse is instructing them to do for effective performance (Cayton, 2010).
Organizational strategies for bringing mutual understanding in nursing practice
Establishing policies that guide all people and prevent discrimination based on positions, age,
and race.
Encouraging all the nurses on the importance of working with diversity (Wei, Heppner, Ku,
& Liao, 2010).).
Scenario Four
The best approach to use in improving my work relation with Fatima is
acknowledging her religious beliefs. I should appreciate the diversity that exists between the
two of us. I will discuss with her so that we plan our time and come up with a schedule that
will allow me some free time before Fatima leaves for her prayers.
Scenario five
The best approach to be taken by employees in resolving conflicts and acknowledging
diversity is respecting the cultural beliefs of other people (Storrie, Ahern, & Tuckett, 2010).
Encouraging a conducive and an inclusive environment is important for effective nursing
practice.
Scenario six
The difference in cultural beliefs
Stubborn behavior of Tom

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The first step in addressing the issue appreciates the cultural beliefs of Tom. Then, advice
Tom on the importance of modern medication and its efficacy as compared to the traditional
ones.
Scenario Seven
The cultural disparity is based beliefs of the family on the act of taking off shoes while
entering their house. I will agree with the belief and take off my shoes because patient needs
are a priority in nursing practice.
Project 1
1. The attitude of self-determination has changed with time due to the immigration of
other people into the country. The presence of cultural diversity has changed hoe
people value themselves.
Sexual orientation is the main prejudice observed in Indian culture due to the
introduction of modern education and civilization (Carabez et al., 2015).
The changes in the languages and the introduction of English language affected the
Indian culture because other people will learn their unknown values.
One of the structures that determine Indian culture is architecture.
2. An example of a cultural perspective in Indian culture is the communication style.
Indian have a different way of communicating with people from different cultures and
religions. The use of gestures and other non-verbal cues requires more interpretation
and understanding because different sings may have different meaning depending on
the culture. Another different style used by men is saying, "I will try," in most cases,
this statement is a negation. The communication style of the Indian culture affects my
roles as an enrolled nurse because I may not understand what an Indian patient or
colleague is referring in our communication (Holder, Jackson & Ponterotto, 2015).

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3. The immediate step to address the Indian cultural bias is to acknowledge diversity. I
will socialize and make friends with some Indian Nurses so that I can learn their
culture. Learning the cultural background is important because I will be able to
understand them clearly and appreciate diversity.
4. a. ethical consideration is the appropriate practice that I can do to improve the nature
of inclusiveness in the healthcare setting
b. I can improve teamwork in the healthcare setting
C. effective communication is the main aspect that I will improve in my interaction
with other nurses and patients.
5. The experience on the perception of the roles of men and women in society. The
Indian culture belief that men are superior to women; therefore, they cannot be led or
given instructions by women in all aspects of life.
The experience on the personal space. My interaction with the Indian people made to
develop a negative attitude on the Indian culture because they are so sensitive in
maintaining personal space.
6. Be responsible for the sociocultural aspects affecting healthcare. I will socialize with
people from diverse cultural backgrounds and learn to understand their social and
cultural beliefs. Another skill is finding appropriate ways of connecting with the
people from the Indian culture (Stanley, 2010). Connecting with them will create
unity and understanding in the healthcare facility.
7. Respecting the beliefs of the Indian patients and nurses on personal space and self-
determination. Language barrier. Most of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
are illiterate. The two communities use their traditional languages, therefore,
interfering with effective communication. I will ensure a higher degree of self-

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awareness. I will also use a formal language to address these people, especially to the
bisexuals and lesbians to avoid rejection.
8. The important resources are identifying the language groups present in the facility and
planning on how to unite all people through effective communication. During
interpretation, evaluate the ethnicity of the people to receive information (Sue, Neville
& Smith, 2019).
Project 2
Social, political and economic Factors affecting Australian Indigenous Communities
Introduction
The plans of the Australian government to improve healthcare provision to the
indigenous communities is becoming challenging due to some social, political and economic
factors affecting these communities. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are
vulnerable communities in Australia, and they are faced by various challenges in all aspects
of life. The gap has persisted between the indigenous and non-indigenous communities in
Australia in terms of healthcare status. United Nations has collaborated with the Australian
government to reduce the disparity in the country and promote healthcare provision to these
two indigenous communities (Parker & Milroy, 2014). Social determinants arise from the
cultural; belief and practices of these communities because some of the cultural value and
practices are so primitive, therefore, interfering with modern healthcare provision in the
country. The political factors are based on the lack of equal human rights in the country. The
lifestyles of these two communities are related to the economic factors that affect the
healthcare provision to these indigenous communities. Human rights are important in
promoting the quality of healthcare services to be offered to the people. There is a lack of
equal access to primary healthcare service in the country (Parker, 2010).

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Social Factors
The indigenous people of Australia have a lot of disadvantages as compared to the
non-indigenous communities. Poverty is one of the social factors that contribute to the poor
health status of the indigenous communities in the country. Poverty has forced people to
continue using their tradition methods of medication in treating various diseases. The cultural
beliefs of the Aboriginal and Torres also contribute to the low health status in their societies
because most of their cultural beliefs and practice oppose the modern practice and medical
operations (Fleming & Parker, 2015). Most of the people engage in social activities like
smoking. The Aboriginals are believed to be active smokers in Australia. Prolonged smoking
increases the risks of getting a disease, therefore, affecting the health status of the people.
Political Factors
The indigenous communities have been neglected by the government. The
geographical position in which these communities are located has also resulted in their
current situation. The government policies do not favor the development of these
communities, therefore, affecting the healthcare provision since the places are inaccessible.
The inequality in the policy implementation occurred from the time the British were
colonizing Australia. There is an unequal distribution of resources in the country, therefore,
leading to the healthcare disparity. The distribution of power in the country does not consider
the indigenous communities (Bainbridge, Tsey, McCalman, Kinchin, Saunders, Lui &
Lawson, 2015). In this case, most of the political leaders whether elective or appointive are
occupied by the non-indigenous communities; therefore, all powers rest on the hands of the
non-indigenous communities. Another political factor is the violation of the human rights that
protect minority groups and indigenous communities.
Economic Factors

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Poverty is the main determinant affecting these indigenous communities in the
country (Bailie & Wayte, 2006). Poverty is both a social and economic factor because it
affects the lifestyle and developments of the people in their natural environment. Poverty
interferes with the ability of people to access improvised healthcare and medical services.
Another factor that contributes to the disparity in health status is the lack of employment
among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders communities. Unemployment leads to
poverty, therefore, interfering with free access to primary healthcare as compared to the non-
indigenous communities.
The western culture came with modern education (Fredericks, 2013). Education leads
to literacy, therefore, resulting in civilization. The interaction of the indigenous communities
and the people from western cultures impacted the lifestyles of these communities positively
because they started to appreciate the efficacy of modern medicine and healthcare services.
Conclusion
Western culture is the dominating culture in Australia. The introduction of the
western culture have shaped the nature of the Australian people. The main concern is the
civilization of the indigenous communities in the country to create national unity and
cohesion. The main impacts of the western culture is to create equality in the country. The
leaders from the indigenous communities play an important role in minimizing the disparities
between the indigenous and non-indigenous communities. The government should establish
and implement policies in favour of the two communities especially in relation to human
rights protection.

WORKING WITH DIVERSITY 15
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