Nursing Reflection: Cultural Diversity, Indigenous Healthcare, Nursing

This nursing reflection paper discusses cultural diversity within the healthcare field, specifically focusing on the experiences of an enrolled nurse reflecting on the cultural background of a peer from an indigenous Australian population. The reflection highlights the differences in health beliefs and practices, particularly the emphasis on spiritual and non-medical healing approaches, including traditional bush medicines. The author explores potential conflicts arising from these differences and emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting diverse cultural perspectives in healthcare. The paper also analyses the role of traditional medicine in indigenous communities, referencing relevant literature and resources to support the integration of such practices into mainstream healthcare. The conclusion emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive care and the importance of clear communication and respect when addressing patient needs from diverse backgrounds. The paper concludes by proposing changes in nursing practice to incorporate a supportive approach towards peers and patients who use traditional medicines.

1Running head: NURSING
Nursing
Name of student:
Name of university:
Author note:

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Description
With increasing globalization, expanding immigration and growth of minority
population, countries across the globe are increasingly becoming diversified. The nursing
profession is one such domain that is influenced by the social and cultural diversity of the
individuals serving in this field (Carney, 2016). As an enrolled nurse, I take this opportunity
to reflect upon the culturally and socially diverse background of my peer that is different
from mine. While I am a non-indigenous Australian, my peer Ms. X belongs to the
indigenous population. The health beliefs and values of indigenous individuals are directed
more towards spiritual and non-medical healing processes. As mentioned by per my peer, her
upbringing has been guided by non-invasive treatment approaches that are perceived as an
element of holistic care. According to her, a comprehensive and effective care approach
needs to have the mindset that natural forces are to be utilized for patient care. Reflecting on
this fact, it can be stated that the nursing practice to be delivered by her would certainly be
biased towards traditional care options. The difference in concepts and opinions based on
rituals and practices between an indigenous and non-indigenous healthcare professional
might lead to conflict between them.
Feelings
Indigenous population of Australia is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
individuals belonging to the country who have descended from groups existing in the country
as well as surrounding islands before colonization by the British. Though they are marked as
a part of the broader Australoid race, noteworthy differences lie in cultural, social and
linguistic customs between the individuals of this population (Willis et al., 2016). It was
already known to me that the traditional beliefs and attitudes of indigenous population have
not been successful in adapting to the changes in the circumstances and advancing medical

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technologies. While drastic changes have come up in relation to healthcare delivery, there
have been fewer changes in the mentality of the individuals belonging to this group who have
a different perception altogether regarding health issues. In reference to health care, it is
prominent that these individuals have submissively denied a number of Western beliefs and
practices (Couzos & Thiele, 2016). I believe that such an attitude of the aboriginals is due to
the fact that their health believes play a significant role in providing meaning to events
related to illness as well as death. The approach of these individuals for helping others is
distinctly different. I support such form of healing as the beneficial outcomes for patients
have been witnessed often.
Evaluation
The communication with my peer helped me in gaining deep insight into the notions
and concepts of health care promoted by indigenous professionals. The role of traditional
healing process deserves special mention in here as traditional Aboriginal medicine is
practiced on a wide scale in different parts of Australia. Such form of treatment include bush
medicines, and these are symptom specific. Examples of bush medicine include restricted
diet, herbal preparations, massage and external remedies like smoke, steam and heat (Lee &
Courtenay, 2017). I was surprised to learn that the indigenous people had faith that such form
of natural medicines works for a wide range of acute and chronic form of illness. The
knowledge made me realize that natural forms of medicines are more appreciated since they
have fewer chances of side-effects. A resource that can be useful for my peer in due course of
nursing practice is the website ‘naturalhealthmag.com.au’. This website provides valuable
information on the usefulness on a number of bush medicines that have been proved to be
effective for a number of curable diseases. The information contained in the website would
guide a professional keen on using such medicines for patient care (naturalhealthmag.com.au,
2017).

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Analysis
My belief that the traditional healing method might be followed is backed by a rich
pool of literature. As highlighted by Jazani et al., (2016) traditional healers explore the
ancient healing practices and apply them alongside of western medical frameworks. The
health gap is closed after a combination of the two forms of approaches is delivered. As
opined by Sheikhian et al., (2016) traditional medicinal approaches include more than just the
physical health. It engages a holistic approach for treating the spiritual and cultural factors
causing disease. For moving forward, it is necessary to acknowledge that western medicine is
not the only healing approach (Black, 2016).
Conclusion
It can be concluded from the discussion that Indigenous traditional medicine needs to
be integrated into national health care in Australia. It is also learned that diversity in culture is
reflected through the care approaches of healthcare professionals. Health care professionals
who are in support of such techniques are to be provided with resources that are helpful in
this regard. For assisting an indigenous Australian so that he feels safe in a hospital
environment, it is necessary to acknowledge the cultural and ethnic background of the
individual and communicate in a clear manner while showing dignity and respect.
Action
Reflecting upon what is learned, I would bring about a change in my practice as a
nurse in that I would be more supportive of my peer while attempt would be made to treat a
patient with traditional medicines such as bush medicines. Under circumstances when a
potential conflict might arise due to differences in opinions regarding western and traditional
medicine, a clear communication would be made to understand the applicability of the two so
that the decision made is justified.

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References
Black, B. (2016). Professional Nursing-E-Book: Concepts & Challenges. Elsevier Health
Sciences.
Carney, K. (2016). Nursing Diversity. AJN The American Journal of Nursing, 116(5), 13.
Couzos, S., & Thiele, D. D. (2016). Aboriginal peoples participation in their health care: A
patient right and an obligation for health care providers. Aboriginal and Islander
Health Worker Journal, 40, 6-7.
Health, food, nutrition & holistic healing | Australian Natural Health Magazine.
(2017). Naturalhealthmag.com.au. Retrieved 4 October 2017, from
https://www.naturalhealthmag.com.au/
Jazani, A. M., Azgomi, R. N. D., Fazljoo, M. B., & Hamdi, K. (2016). Herbal remedies for
oligomenorrhea in Traditional Persian Medicine. Trends in Pharmaceutical
Sciences, 2(4), 238-240.
Lee, L. S., & Courtenay, K. (2016). Enrichment plantings as a means of enhanced bush food
and bush medicine plant production in remote arid regions–a review and status
report. Mystery Train 2007.
Sheikhian, A., Rezapour, S., & Shirzad, H. (2016). The most important Iranian medicinal
plants with immunomodulatory property according to traditional medicine and
modern research findings. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 9(4),
3423-6.
Willis, E., Reynolds, L., & Keleher, H. (Eds.). (2016). Understanding the Australian health
care system. Elsevier Health Sciences.