...The Significance of Diversity in Nursing Diversity in the world of nursing is crucial in order to provide sufficient care to all individuals. Nurses have to be able to provide medical needs to all types of people, regardless of personal beliefs and customs. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relevance of diversity and nursing including the significance it can have on patients receiving nursing care, problems with the low minority population in nursing, and a summary of the generational aspect of diversity in nursing. Importance of Diversity in the Workplace Across the nation, as the diversity of the population persistently expands, it is paramount the nursing workforce mirrors this evolvement to “effectively meet patient care needs and ensure cultural competency” (Mason, Leavitt, & Chaffee, 2014, p. 378). One important reason for nurses to study the effect of diversity is to improve the community and help promote the need for social change. There is a connection between the absence of variation in the workplace and health inconsistencies. If more nurses were to work with the indigent and minority populations, this “improves access among underrepresented groups” and would help with the discrepancy in health care (Huston, 2014, p. 137). Competent transcultural nursing care impacts the quality of care a patient receives by understanding the client’s needs holistically. Clark (2014) states that humility or the ability to learn from others and having an open mind is needed...
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...Diversity in Nursing In this paper, I will summarize what I have learned about diversity in nursing and the effect that diversity has on the nursing community as well as the impact it has on the public related to health disparities. Diversity comes in many forms such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, culture, and ethnicity. The purpose of this paper is to discover the importance of diversity in the nursing profession. Importance of Diversity in the Workplace The lack of diversity in the healthcare setting could be linked to health disparities. Health disparities are gaps in the quality of health and health care that mirror differences in socioeconomic status, racial and ethnic background and education level (Minority Health, n.d.). Baldwin states, “A lack of minority health care providers has a trickle down effect on the health care of ethnic and racial minorities (2003).” These groups are already at risk for increased morbidity and mortality rates. They have less access to proper health care and are a greater risk for declining health due to the small number of minority health care providers (Baldwin, 2003). Efforts have been made to recruit and retain minorities into the nursing profession however they have not been very successful. According to Huston, recruiting underrepresented groups has been difficult for many reasons. One of which could be that minorities receive inadequate preparatory education leading to poor reading, writing and critical thinking...
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...activities estimated to fulfill time requirements will vary by degree level and student learning style, and by student familiarity with the delivery method and course content. Course Description Students have the opportunity in this course to gain the knowledge and skills required to collect data related to the assessment of individual and population health status. They learn physical examination skills including palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Students gain practical experience in taking patient histories, using interviewing techniques and communication skills, and they discuss the psychological, social, and cultural aspects of clinical assessment. Additionally, students consider the integration of quality indicators to guide the nursing process and ensure compliance with ethical considerations. Through cutting edge digital clinical experiences, students apply knowledge and demonstrate understanding of conducting health assessments for patients with various...
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...People from different cultures have their own perspectives on health and disease. Some cultures believe in using traditional medicine, and some believe in the healing power of praying and herbal healing. People often affected by their own cultural beliefs when it comes to overcoming diseases and how they can find the right cure or treatment. Sometimes religion and cultural beliefs get in the way of receiving proper medical help. Religion and cultural beliefs can affect the way they receive proper medical treatment and care. Although there are a few cultures that believe that natural remedies should not be used in the twenty-first century where medicine and the whole world has advanced and improved in many ways. People believe that advanced technology is able to diagnose and cure when herbal remedies fail to work. I will discuss the cultures of Muslim and Chinese and their health views. The Arabic culture have several beliefs that impact healthcare like they prefer to be treated by a medical provider of the same sex, mainly female patients, which also applies when interpreting services are needed. “They consider an illness as atonement for their sins. They consider death as a part of a journey to meet God. However, they are strongly encouraged to seek medical treatment when required” (Newcastle). Cleanliness is considered “half of the faith”. The Qur’an prohibits eating pork and pork products, meat of animals who have not been slaughtered in the halal manner, blood...
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...Cultural Diversity in Nursing Care Rhonda Dilks Grand Canyon University Family Health Promotion NRS 429V November 01, 2010 Cultural Diversity in Nursing Care Health in all cultures is an important aspect of life. A person’s cultural background, religion and/or beliefs, greatly influences a person’s health and their response to medical care (Spector, 2004). These diverse cultures guide decisions made in daily life; what food eaten, living arrangements made, medications taken and medical advice listened to. A nurse must be knowledgeable and respectful of these diverse cultures and understand their importance when providing care. This understanding helps to build a strong nurse/patient relationship, increasing patient compliance, which ensures positive outcomes are met. Patients who are satisfied with their care are more likely to continue their treatment especially when their cultural beliefs are considered (Flowers, 2005). This paper will discuss the importance of a heritage assessment, compare the differences of three different families’ cultural beliefs and address their health maintenance, protection and restoration. Heritage Assessments In 2008, 34 percent of America’s population claimed a minority or ethnic heritage (Minckler, 2008). The Census Bureau reports the U.S. population is becoming increasingly diverse with Hispanics and Asians the fastest growing minorities (Minckler, 2008). Heritage assessments are used to create cultural awareness. Understanding...
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...Culture and Diversity in Nursing Amanda M. Jones Trinity Valley Community College Associate Degree Nursing Level II January 16, 2015 Culture and Diversity in Nursing Cultural Assessment With there being such a plethora of cultures in the world, there are so many different beliefs and practices involving health and wellness, that almost everyone has a different definition of health, and different views on disease and illness in general. My definition of health involves many different aspects, but most importantly living a healthy lifestyle overall; being free from illness, and doing everything possible to stay that way. Eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep along with protecting your body from the harsh outside world, and maintaining proper hygiene are the most beneficial in being healthy. In fact, I believe that the main cause of illness aside from harmful pathogens and stress is lack of proper diet, exercise, sleep, and basic hygiene. Those things are essential to maintaining health. Anytime I start to get symptoms of a cold or illness, I immediately start taking vitamin C and drinking plenty of water. I usually do not seek medical care unless I am certain that I need antibiotics, as I like to take more of a holistic approach before using medicines any time possible. The same can be said about my pain management. I have a fairly high pain tolerance, and try to avoid using pain medications. When I am in pain I usually try to...
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...Diversity in the Workplace We live in a society today that is culturally diverse. With this diversity of the population, comes the need for a diverse and culturally competent nursing workforce to care appropriately for patients. The purpose of this paper is to examine diversity in the workplace, its importance to nursing as a profession and its impact on the delivery of culturally competent nursing care. Importance of Diversity in the Workplace Huston (2014) reveals that age, gender, customs, religion, physical size, physical and mental capabilities, beliefs, culture, ethnicity, and skin color are all forms of diversity. Despite the shift in demography of today’s society, which reflects an increasingly culturally diverse population (Phillips and Malone, 2014), the majority of nurses in the workforce are white, middle-aged females (Mattson, 2009). Making the nursing workplace more heterogeneous, diverse and representative of the population (Phillips and Malone, 2014), helps to promote quality of care and decrease disparities in healthcare (Huston, 2014). Maier-Lorentz (2008) adds that diversity in the workplace fosters cultural competency, which is vital to the provision of holistic and optimal care to this diverse patient population. Summary of One Aspect of Diversity One aspect of Diversity in the workplace is Generational diversity. With the current aging nursing population averaging forty-years of age (Mason, Leavitt and Chaffee, 2014), the current nursing...
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...Diversity in the Workplace The United States is facing the need to provide nursing care to an increasing diverse patient population with a nursing workforce that, in itself, is impacted by generational, ethnic and gender differences. The purpose of this paper is to present the importance of diversity in the workplace and delivering culturally competent nursing care, the impact of gender diversity, and the misrepresentation of minorities in the nursing profession. Importance of diversity in the workplace America is a kaleidoscope of cultures, religions, races, and nationalities. The USA Quick Facts from the US Census Bureau shows the following 2011 population statistics: White 63.4%, Hispanic/Latino 16.7%, Black/Afro-American 13.1%, Asian 5.0%, American Indian & Alaska Native 1.2%, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders. 0.2%. In 2012 minority population increased to 37% and is projected that minorities will be the majority by 2043. Mason, Leavitt & Chaffee (2012) pointed out that as our population “continues to grow and increase its diversity, it is important that the nursing workforce reflect these changes to effectively meet patient care needs and ensure cultural competency” (p. 378). Cultural assessments must be part of the nurse’s health assessment. To be culturally competent nurses need to be aware of their own culture, and the diverse culture of their colleagues and patient populations (Maier-Lorentz, 2008). Culturally competent nursing care is important...
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...The impact of diversity in work place Janevine Onyeanuna Walden University Issues and Trends in Nursing NURS 3000 Section 04 Dr Mary Tan March 15, 2015 The impact of diversity in work place Knowledge of the impact of diversity is nesseccary at all levels of nursing work place because the nursing work place is made up individuals of diverse cultural group and so the ethnocentric approach to nursing practice should be eliminated in providing care. A good nursing care to a patient is clear, accurate communication and understanding of the patient’s values, belief system and family dynamics. The purpose of this paper explains the impact of gender, ethnic, demographic diversity on nursing profession and also the effect of underrepresentation of minorities nursing profession. Importance of Diversity in the Work place Cultural diversity in nursing profession is a cross- cultural health discipline, which encompasses the belief system of a variety of groups; it refers to the differences between individuals based on beliefs, customs, and ideology as evidenced in their way of life. Nurses bring their cultural and philosophical views into nursing profession so there fore its needful for them to understand the nurse- patient relationship, nurse- nurse relationship which includes the culture of the nurse, the culture of the co-worker and the culture of the patient, and the culture of the setting. Patients...
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...Diversity in the Workplace Diversity in the Workplace I have this image of America and the bronze plaque at the bottom of the Statue of Liberty. “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore”. We are a country of immigrates, built on the ideals, culture, and inclusion of our differences. Our profession should reflect the inclusive society in which America is built on. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of diversity in the workplace. Importance of diversity in the workplace “Despite modest gains in ethnic and racial minority representation in the nursing profession, the current nursing workforce does not mirror the U.S. population (Melillo, Dowling, Abdalah, Findeisen, & Khight, 2013, p. 102). According to authors, there is a clear link between lack of diversity in the nursing workforce and nursing's ability to effectively address health disparities with high-quality, culturally competent care (Melillo, Dowling, Abdalah, Findeisen, & Khight, 2013). Whether its age, gender, race or religion, the more inclusive we are the more likely we will be able to relate and understand the needs of our coworkers and patients. The intention of nursing being a discipline that embraces, integrates, and permeates cultural diversity is continually challenged and evaluated. The changes in the ethnic and cultural composition of the U.S. population constantly challenge nurses daily to...
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...Throughout my internship at Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, I have developed Advanced Generalist Social Work Practice Competency 2 skills, which is to Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the nursing home with regard to its commitment to supporting equality and challenging oppression in its approach to diversity among its staff. I will include a strategy on how to address cultural differences among staff and residents. Diversity among staff is very important in Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center that I am interning at this year. The nursing home already understand that bringing diversity of voices in the nursing home from different racial, cultural and economic backgrounds is the right thing to do to meet the needs of all the residents at the nursing home. I have seen that increasing diversity at all staff levels in the nursing home has resulted in better patient outcomes and a deeper connection to the community. A disconnection between staff and the residents that the nursing home serve can present a cultural problem that must be overcome to provide patient-centered care....
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...Diversity in the Workplace The aim of this paper is to review literature on the issues of diversity in the workplace. We can ask ourselves why is diversity in the workplace so important? Some arguments suggest that it may benefit to an organization and company success. This topic has been researched and discussed for many years before us and is still current in health care and in general. As I was preparing for this week learning adventure, I can say that, besides our chapters in textbooks, I read so many different articles, but for this paper I have chosen the article written by Maier- Lorentz Transcultural nursing: Its importance in nursing practice. I found this article easy to understand and fallow through and I agree with many things listed and discussed by the author. We can define diversity in many different ways many years ago diversity was defined mainly by gender, race, or color. In today’s world, we can also add on sexual orientation, military experience, education, work experience, marital status and many more. With a diverse workforce health care can compete with the higher achieving global organization. This article is discussing important of diversity in the nursing profession. As we can see from the article increasing culturally diverse workforce creates positive outcome for the hospital or organization, and also helps in delivering better care for patients and families (Maier-Lorentz, 2008). That is why this issue has been incorporated through nursing...
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...Culture Care Diversity and Universality Biography of Madeleine Leininger Madeleine Leininger’s theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality was developed in the 1960’s. The idea for this self-developed theory was constructed after Leininger recognized that nursing’s metaparadigm was missing two major components: care and culture (Leininger & McFarland, 2006). While working on a med-surg unit in the 1940’s, Leininger recognized many patients often reported that nursing care practices helped them get well, stay well, or adjust to another state of well-being ( Leininger & McFarland, 2006). In the 1950’s while working as a child psychiatric mental health nurse, Leininger realized the importance of culture in the care of children of different backgrounds (Leininger, 2001). From these experiences, Leininger reported thoughts of helplessness and culture shock due to her lack of knowledge of cultural factors that influenced nursing care. This led her to pursue doctorial studies in anthropology in the 1960’s. During this time, the theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality was developed. Brief Examination of Theory The general premise of this theory suggests that people of different cultures can define ways they experience and perceive nursing care and can also relate their experiences to their general health beliefs and practices (George, 2007). Leininger believed that people of different cultures can inform and direct professionals in such a manner to receive...
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...Diversity in the Nursing Environment Robin Glunt RN SOC/315 December 12, 2011 Jenel Cavazos Diversity in the Nursing Environment Diversity is a fact of the nursing environment in terms of relationships with colleagues and with patients. Nurses are required to work with and take care of individuals from a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds. This can be both a challenge and an enriching experience. In nursing all dimensions of cultural diversity are experienced regularly including the primary dimensions of diversity such as age, ethnic heritage, mental/physical ability, race, gender and sexual orientation. Secondary dimensions are considered as part and parcel of understanding patient needs in a health care setting and these may include income, religion, education and family status (Stockdale M.S., 2004). Understanding diversity is pivotal to successful patient care because patient needs are often largely defined by patient experience and expectations. All of the factors that define diversity are inherent in how a patient will perceive their care and what their expectations will be in receiving care. Nurses who understand this are better able to offer compassion, appropriate services, tolerance and support. It is important when considering patient care to recognize the difference between diversity and inclusion. Diversity compared to inclusion in the health care environment Diversity defines the lifestyle and experiences and individual may have which will inform...
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...Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality University of Virginia Theoretical Foundation of Nursing Abstract The Cultural Care Diversity and Universality Theory provides a conceptual framework to discover and explain diversities and similarities of care practices, within a cultures context. The theory is highly complex, and has many levels of scope, in relation to human cultures and nursing worldwide. Culture care is applicable to any culture and many diverse settings. The theory is accessible as a guide to research and can lead to empirical precision. The Sunrise Enabler provides a “visual map” that depicts the multi-factoring influences of culture described in the Culture Care Theory. The United States has become a very pluralistic society and continues to grow in international and ethnic diversity daily. In 2006, Louis Kincannon, Census Bureau Director, stated that “about one in three U.S. residents is a minority.” In 2006, of the United States population, 66% were white or European, 15% Hispanic America, 13% African America, 5% Asian American, and 0.4% Native American (United States Census Bureau, 2006). By 2020 they project that only 53% of the U.S. population is going to be white of European descent. In addition, by 2020 the Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans will triple, while the number of African Americans is expected to double (U.S. Census Bureau, 2006). Considering these statistics, it is imperative that the nursing workforce adapt to the...
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