Cultural Heritage in Modern Nursing

This essay provides an in-depth exploration of the insights gained through interviews conducted during a lab session, focusing on demographics, heritage, culture, values, and beliefs.

Utilizing genograms, H.A. and E.V. offer a comprehensive view of heritage and medical history across three generations. Further, the essay delves into the application of evidence-based practice in nursing, emphasizing cultural competency. The discussion is supported by scholarly references and highlights the significance of integrating these practices in clinical rotations and future nursing careers.

Heritage offers a unique perspective on cultural diversity, fostering a deeper appreciation for varied cultural backgrounds.

Demographics and Personal Backgrounds

I, H.A., am a 20-year-old Caucasian female from Heathsville, Virginia, and an only child. My family, including my mother and maternal grandparents, originates from Tappahannock, while my father and paternal grandparents hail from Richmond. I was born in Kilmarnock and raised in Warsaw, Virginia, a small rural town in the United States. My partner, E.V., was born in Martinsville, Virginia, and has one brother. Her maternal roots trace back to Altavista, Virginia, and Rowland, North Carolina, while her paternal ancestry is rooted in Patrick County, Virginia. She grew up in Patrick Henry, Virginia, another rural community in the U.S.

Identifying Similarities

During our assessment, E.V. and I discovered several similarities. Both of us were raised in small rural towns, maintained strong ties with nearby extended family members, and attended public high schools. Our shared Christian faith includes practices like prayer, Bible reading, and celebrating religious holidays. Our connections with friends and neighbors were also strengthened by our shared religious and ethnic backgrounds. This commonality underscores the role that community and faith play in shaping our identities and values.

Understanding Differences

Differences, however, are equally important as they contribute to our individuality. One notable difference was the frequency of family visits; E.V. visited her extended family weekly, while my visits were monthly. Despite proximity, my family interactions were less frequent. Our family structures also varied; E.V. grew up with both parents and a brother, whereas I was primarily raised by my mother due to my parents' divorce. Additionally, we belong to different Christian denominations—E.V. is Methodist, attending church monthly, while I am part of a non-denominational church with weekly services. These differences extend to cultural practices, with my denomination engaging in ethnic activities like praise singing and dancing, which E.V.'s does not.

Utilizing Genograms

Genograms provided a visual representation of our three-generation family trees, revealing both cultural and medical insights. Despite our cultural differences, we identified medical similarities such as anxiety in our mothers, high cholesterol in our fathers, and cancer in our paternal grandmothers. Differences included E.V.'s mother's high cholesterol and depression, her maternal grandfather's passing, and her paternal grandfather's ongoing health challenges. These insights highlighted the complex interplay between heritage and health, emphasizing the need for personalized care in nursing practice.

Importance of Evidence-Based Practice

Cultural competency is crucial for nurses to provide quality care, and evidence-based practice (EBP) is key to achieving this. EBP allows nurses to apply scientifically validated evidence in patient care, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. According to the Fundamentals of Nursing, critical thinking involves cognitive skills, questioning, and recognizing personal biases. By staying informed and asking questions, nurses can better understand and address patient needs.

Cultural competency is highlighted in an article by Hunter (2008), emphasizing the importance of experiential learning. The University of Missouri-Kansas City designed courses to help students develop cultural competency through hands-on experiences. This approach equips nurses to handle cultural differences effectively, ensuring respectful and individualized patient care.

Clinical Experiences and Future Applications

Our clinical 345 experience involved interactions with diverse patients, primarily older adults. This assignment deepened my understanding of cultural competency's role in patient assessment and care. Applying cultural insights can enhance my ability to connect with patients and provide individualized care. Integrating cultural competency into clinical practice will enrich my nursing skills and improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

This assignment has been instrumental in preparing me for my nursing career. Recognizing shared and unique cultural traits enhances our understanding of diversity. By embracing cultural competency, nurses prioritize patient-centered care, ensuring respect and high-quality service. Staying informed about cultural differences is vital for delivering compassionate and effective care, ultimately benefiting both patients and healthcare professionals.

References

Facione P: Critical thinking: a statement of expert consensus for purposes of educational assessment and instruction. The Delphi report: research findings and recommendations prepared for the American Philosophical Association. ERIC Doc No. ED 315-423, Washington, DC, 1990, ERIC. Foo, S. (2011). Adopting evidence-based practice in clinical decision making: nurses' perceptions, knowledge, and barriers. NCBI. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3133901/ Hunter, J. L. (2008). Applying Constructivism to Nursing Education in Cultural Competence. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, Vol 19 (4). pp 354-362. Retrieved from http://journals.sagepub.com.lib-proxy.radford.edu/doi/pdf/10.1177/1043659608322421

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