References

Booker, S. (2016). Chatting and Dreamin. Hopestreetcards. Retrieved from
   http://hopestreetcards.com.au/blogs/news/84063492-chatting-and-dreamin

Children's Week (2015) Communities at Work, I Wonder [book cover]. Children's Week, Canberra,
    Australia. Retrieved 4/2/2016 from https://commsatwork.org/civicrm/event

Coleman, C., Hudson, S., & Maine, L. (2013). Health Literacy Practices and Educational   
   Competencies for Health Professionals: A Consensus Study. Journal Of Health Communication, 
   18 (sup1), 82-102. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2013.829538
 

 Cuellar, N. (2014). Caring People Who Can Change the World: You. Journal Of Transcultural Nursing,
   25(1), 5-5. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1043659613513960

De Sousa, R. (2012). What is Health Literacy. NUTR 360 - fal 12. Retrieved from   http://www.personal.psu.edu/bal18/blogs/nutr_360-fall_12/2012/09/what-is-health-
 

Diversity Council Australia.(2016) Why Diversity Matters. Retrieved 24 January 2016,
   from http://www.dca.org.au/about-dca.html/why-diversity-matters.html
 

Goldbach, J. T., Amaro, H., Vega W., & Walter M. D. (2015). The grand challenge of  promoting
    equality by addressing social stigma (Grand Challenges for Social Work Initiative Working Paper
    No. 1 8). Cleveland, OH: American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare.

Google.com.au,. (2016). equity and diversity - Google Search. Retrieved 24 January 2016, from     
    https://www.google.com.au/search?q=equity+and+diversity
 

Harris, J., Springett, J., Croot, L., Booth, A., Campbell, F., & Thompson, J. et al. (2015). Can 
   community-based peer support promote health literacy and reduce inequalities? A realist
   review.  Public Health Research, 3(3), 1-192. http://dx.doi.org/10.3310/phr03030

Jones, K., & Creedy, D. (2013). Health and Human Behaviour.(3rd ed.) South Melbourne,Victoria.
    Oxford University Press. 

 

Koch, D. (2013). Experiences of nursing students undertaking clinical placement in a bachelor
   degree : a perspective of diversity. Hdl.handle.net. Retrieved 24 January 2016 from  
   http://handle.net/10453/29231

 

Margaret Mead quote (BrainyQuote)         
    http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/margaretme

 Mlik. K.,(2015)  Foreign Affairs,. (2015). The Failure of Multiculturalism. Retrieved 14 January 2016,
     from https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/western-europe/failure-multiculturalism

Moceri, J. (2013). Hispanic Nurses' Experiences of Bias in the Workplace. Journal Of Transcultural 
   Nursing, 25(1), 15-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1043659613504109
 

Oxford University Press (2016). Retrieved 9 January 2016,   from http://www.etraining.communitydoor.org

Peroni, L., & Timmer, A. (2013). Vulnerable groups: The promise of an emerging
 concept in European Human Rights Convention law. International Journal Of Constitutional Law,11  (4), 1056-1085. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/icon/mot042
 

 The BoogieFinger Times-All the NEWS Fit to Pick (: Former Democrat Governor Richard D. Lamm   
     on Multiculturalism) http://boogiefinger.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/former-democrat-governor
 

World Health Organization (WHO). (2013) Health Literacy. The Solid Facts [Online]. Available from:      http://www.thehealthwell.info/node/534072   [Accessed: 4th February 2016].
 

www.slideshare.net,. (2016). SlideShare.net. Retrieved 3 February 2016,   
    from  http://www.slideshare.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disability, Disadvantage, Vulnerability & Stigma





(https://commsatwork.org)

Disability, disadvantage, vulnerability and stigma are four words that resonate as burdensome labels.  This blog is about reflecting how these words affect us as individuals and how we knowing or unknowingly label and treat others by using them.  For me the two strongest words in the title are stigma and vulnerability; emotional words that encompass shame, being singled out, a perception forced by others and leads to feelings of exposure and defenceless.  I don’t want to live like that, do you?

To look briefly at stigma, it can expose itself within self and families, workplace and communities to culturally and the effects of the stigma is felt strongly as indicated by (Goldbach, J. T., Amaro, H., Vega W., & Walter M. D.2015, p.9).  I have found literature relating inequality toward groups within the community and stigma.  An example of, but not exclusive to, these groups include disabled, lesbian, gay, transgender, bisexual groups, obese, people with mental health issues, homeless and transient people.  Society forms generalisations and misinformation about less powerful groups which leads to stigma resulting in blame, discrimination, prejudice.(Goldbach, 2015,p.9)  This situation leads to disadvantage in social connections, education, housing, health literacy and loneliness.  Society in many ways sets a precedence on how people within our community should be treated, let's not become that person, be honest in your actions.

I have watched 4 interviews regarding this topic and have felt the overwhelming theme is the perception of others towards different groups within our community.  Members of disadvantaged groups are vulnerable, subject to suffering and disadvantage because of a need for community assistance, as a result of this reliance are easily accessible to hurt.  Vulnerability not unlike stigma is well documented to be influenced by quality and quantity of resources available.  (Peroni & Timmer, 2013p.1058)

As a Registered Nurse, a member of a healthcare team, a member of community in which I live,  who aims to provide holistic care to patients I think treating others how you would like to be treated is essential.  This attitude may not always keep you smiling in the short term but I think the long term benefits will be worth it.  

(http://hopestreetcards.com.au/blogs/news)

Booker, S. (2016). Chatting and Dreamin. Hopestreetcards. Retrieved from
     http://hopestreetcards.com.au/blogs/news/84063492-chatting-and-dreamin
 
Children's Week (2015) Communities at Work, I Wonder [book cover]. Children's Week,  
    Canberra Australia. Retrieved 4/2/2016 from https://commsatwork.org/civicrm/event/
 
Goldbach, J. T., Amaro, H., Vega W., & Walter M. D. (2015). The grand challenge of   
    promoting equality by addressing social stigma (Grand Challenges for Social Work
     Initiative Working Paper No. 1 8). Cleveland, OH: American Academy of Social Work and
     Social Welfare.
 
Peroni, L., & Timmer, A. (2013). Vulnerable groups: The promise of an emerging concept in
    European Human Rights Convention law. International Journal Of Constitutional Law,
   11(4), 1056-1085. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/icon/mot042

 



Health Literacy




(DeSousa, 2012)



 

   If you take the time to think about it, we have all experienced reduced health literacy, not due to being illiterate or a language barrier but simply because of reduced understanding or decision processes.  De Sousa (2012) suggests that health literacy and general literacy are comparable however the ability to listen, scrutinize and make decisions to improve health literacy.

  As I researched this topic I have discovered very little formative data on how health literacy is assessed by the medical community and less information on how a patient is identified as requiring assistance. (Coleman, Hudson & Maine, 2013, p.83)  I have included the illustration of The Health Literacy Umbrella as it depicts the many aspects of health literacy that are needed between the patient and health care team.  Peer support is described by Harris et al., (2015) as “the provision of emotional, appraisal and informational assistance by a created social network member who possesses knowledge…”. 

 

   Our interview with Peter highlights the benefits of peer support that was provided to him at a time when he had no idea of the direction he should look.  The difficulty that is experienced with sudden changes in social, work and financial situations is quite overwhelming.  As a nurse in any healthcare setting, it is important to remember the person who is requiring assistance and not always the task you need to complete.

   We can begin to empower individuals by building resilience and improve the communities in which they live.  WHO (World Health Organisation, 2016) indicates that health literacy is an asset for individuals and their community as this promotes resource development, builds strength individually, it will become a culture and will encourage positive lifestyle changes.



 

(www.slideshare.net, 2016)





 

Coleman, C., Hudson, S., & Maine, L. (2013). Health Literacy Practices and Educational 
     Competencies for Health Professionals: A Consensus Study. Journal Of Health Communication,
     18(sup1), 82-102. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2013.829538

De Sousa, R. (2012). What is Health Literacy. NUTR 360 - fal 12. Retrieved from
     http://www.personal.psu.edu/bal18/blogs/nutr_360-fall_12/2012/09/what-is-health-literacy-2.html

Harris, J., Springett, J., Croot, L., Booth, A., Campbell, F., & Thompson, J. et al. (2015). Can
    community-based peer support promote health literacy and reduce inequalities? A realist review.
    Public Health Research, 3(3), 1-192. http://dx.doi.org/10.3310/phr03030

World Health Organization (WHO). (2013) Health Literacy. The Solid Facts [Online]. Available
   from: http://www.thehealthwell.info/node/534072 [Accessed: 4th February 2016]. 

www.slideshare.net,. (2016). SlideShare.net. Retrieved 3 February 2016, from
   http://www.slideshare.net

 

Equity and Diversity in the Workplace

 

 

 

   Equity and Diversity are defined by Heidke and Howie (2015, p.72) as equity "relates to ensuring equal opportunities for specific target groups", and diversity is the "recognition that employees differ not just on the basis of race, gender and ethnicity but dimensions such as age, lifestyles and geographic positions". 

  "In Australia, the number of registered nurses born overseas in 2011 was 33% compared with 25% in 2001". (Koch, 2013)  ‘Managing diversity is an idea whose time has come. More and more corporations and organisations are awakening to the fact that a diverse workforce is not a burden, but their greatest potential strength’. (Kramar, 2012)  

   This blog’s focus is equity and diversity in the workplace and I chose a framework that highlights the negative aspects within a work environment.  A conceptual framework with a view “toward power imbalances and discrimination in the context of health care,  that addresses the concept of bias, since bias includes implicit negative stereotypes and attitudes that negatively affect judgments about, evaluations of, and actions toward others”. (Moceri, 2013)

 

(Moceri, 2013)

 

 

   Government Legislation and Workplace Policy provide grounding and guidance with regard to Diversity, Inclusion and Equity of workers.  "A workplace that values diversity and is free of discrimination is more productive". (DCA.org.au, 2016) 
 
   Nursing encompasses many aspects of diversity that I will experience on a daily basis.  Upon reflection I think a great attitude is essential and acknowledging that collectively, we are colleagues who work together to provide a healthcare system that supports the patient from admission to discharge is paramount.
 

  

(Google.com.au, 2016)

  

Diversity Council Australia.(2016) Why Diversity Matters.Retrieved 24 January 2016, from

    http://www.dca.org.au/about-dca.html/why-diversity-matters.html

 

Google.com.au,. (2016). equity and diversity - Google Search. Retrieved 24 January 2016, from     

     https://www.google.com.au/search?q=equity+and+diversity&biw=1301&bih=610&source=

    

 

Heidke, P., & Howie, V. (2015) NHLT12002-Inclusive Practice: Study Guide. Rockhampton,

   Qld: CQUniversity Australia.

  

Koch, D. (2013). Experiences of nursing students undertaking clinical placement in a       

   bachelor degree : a perspective of diversity. Hdl.handle.net. Retrieved 24 January 2016,

   from http://hdl.handle.net/10453/29231

 

Moceri, J. (2013). Hispanic Nurses' Experiences of Bias in the Workplace. Journal

    Of Transcultural Nursing, 25(1), 15-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1043659613504109

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       

Cultural Competence and Care in Communities

 





  (We Hear You, 2014)

 

 

    “Cultural competence is not static, and our level of cultural competence changes in response to new situations, experiences and relationships. The three elements of cultural competence are: attitudes, skills, knowledge.”(We Hear You, 2014)  I wanted to lead with this model framework because it speaks to me about my own involvement, my accountability, my knowledge and questions me about who I am really helping.  I can reflect upon a lack of experience, knowledge and not really knowing how to move forward and be more open about the experience of working with little cultural competence.

  Cultural competency is “a key strategy for reducing inequalities in healthcare access and improving the quality and effectiveness of care”. (Bainbrdge, McCalman, Clifford & Tsey, 2015)  A group of professionals can be culturally competent and work very effectively within a cross cultural environment that focuses on behaviours, attitudes and policies. (Bainbridge et al, 2015)  I agree with Bainbridge et al, and feel that through onsite education processes, such as information sessions facilitated by persons of a specific culture is strengthens the learning. 

  I have much admiration for Roselie and her husband who do such an emotionally tough job, without having any expectation this would be their families path.  It would be quite easy to embark on a community job without knowing what to expect, the culture of this work and the adjustment would be steep. 
 

  To be a new member of a community I would need to be culturally competent and also understand that as a newcomer there can be a period of adjustment until acceptance is acknowledged.  Evaluating the prospect of nursing within a specific community the experience would be invaluable.  To be prepared with knowledge of culturally specific information, promoting positivity, being willing and able to learn specific needs of the person’s culture and allaying fears would help to make the transition from a culturally inept outsider to an effective patient advocate who promotes cultural understanding within her community.


 

(Google.com.au, 2016)

 



Bainbrdge, R., McCalman, J., Clifford, A., & Tsey, K. (2015). Cultural competency in the        delivery of health services for Indigenous people. Issues paper no.13. (pp. 2-6).

     Canberra, Australia: Closing the Gap Clearinghouse. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare & Melbourne: Australian Institute of Family Studies.

 

Google.com.au,. (2016). cultural competence communities - Google Search. Retrieved 18 January 2016, from https://www.google.com.au/search?q=cultural+competence+communities.

 

 

We Hear You,. (2014). What does it mean to be culturally competent?. Retrieved 17 January 2016, from http://wehearyou.acecqa.gov.au/2014/07/10/what-does-it-mean-to-be-culturally-competent/

 

 

 

 





 

 

 

Multiculturalism and Health

 

alism and Health

 

   Multiculturalism and health is both relevant and important.  Multiculturalism defined by my own reasoning was very vague- in short I defined the term as a group of people from various cultures living within the one community.  Not very concise, so I leant towards quotes, verses and the like to assist me to gather my own understanding.  I do like the words grouped above and what drew me there were 4 specific words- identity, people, world, political.

  
   Malik(2015), discussed the failure of multiculturalism and states 30 years ago, “Multiculturalism was the embrace of an inclusive, diverse society”.  With regard to the changes across Europe, critics state that “excessive immigration without integration eroded social cohesion, undermined national identities, and degraded public trust”. (Malik, 2015)  Multiculturalism Malik noted, “not merely a response to diversity but also a means of constraining it”.  Do the members of our community follow this thought process, are we taught that diversity must only be maintained with the community?   

I was delighted to read an article by Cuellar (2014) about the “Caring People Who Can Change the World: You” a feature in The Journal of Transcultural Nursing.  “Nurses have started to change the world in how we see people of diverse backgrounds”. (Cuellar, 2014)  I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Mercy and her experiences.  What courage it has taken to move from your country of origin to lands so vastly different to home.  We can be closed minded about other cultures and lack understanding of how their experiences can help us to develop our own cultural understanding.  I live in the lucky country and my perspective is not as broad as those who have chosen our country as their home. Nursing is presents opportunities and teaches us that working together we learn more and give better of ourselves. 

 

Cuellar, N. (2014). Caring People Who Can Change the World: You. Journal Of Transcultural Nursing, 25(1), 5-5. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1043659613513960

Mlik. K.,(2015)  Foreign Affairs,. (2015). The Failure of Multiculturalism. Retrieved 14 January 2016, from https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/western-europe/failure-multiculturalism

Margaret Mead quote (BrainyQuote)           http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/margaretme101283.html#qyzptWv7yVcdRQKS.99

 

The BoogieFinger Times-All the NEWS Fit to Pick (: Former Democrat Governor Richard D. Lamm    on   Multiculturalism)
http://boogiefinger.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/former-democrat-governor-richard-d-lamm.html 

 

" NEVER BELIVE THAT A FEW CARING PEOPLE CAN'T CHANGE

     THE WORLD. FOR, INDEED, THAT'S ALL WHO EVER HAVE".

Margaret Mead, American Anthropologist.

 

 

 

 

 

Cultural Health Practices and Beliefs

What do I think of health practice, cultural beliefs and how these beliefs may impact on how I interact with patients?  I consider myself to be respectful of others, I have empathy and I understand that as individuals we live with our own beliefs, nuances and the like.  I live in a country known for its multicultural way of life, but I don't think my understanding of  is as broad as those who live in larger cities where diversity is more obvious.

"Cultural awareness recognises that we are all shaped by our cultural background which influences how we interpret the world around us, perceive ourselves and relate to other people." (etraining.communitydoor.org.au)  I understand that we are raised by the beliefs of those who raise us, creating our culture and our understanding of behaviour and values. Culture that is defined by those who are a part of our life, will differ from town to town and beyond.  Under the umbrella of ethnicity we identify race, colour, culture and beliefs that will differ from our own. (Jones and Creedy, 2013)  I hear the term culture used in association with sport and work and ethnic groups and other environments and the tone is one of negativity. What a disappointment that individual cultural values can be changed when grouped with others who differ.  Hence, the importance of understanding and promoting positivity while maintaining a patient's autonomy of their own cultural beliefs is essential.  This is essential particularly when the healthcare worker is faced with diversity of culture and belief within the healthcare setting.

In relation to Diane's interview I take away the importance of personal needs, cultural needs and how essential having an integrated health system who can support the patients.  I felt the interview was very thought provoking and hoped that Diane was given peace and comfort.  As a healthcare worker the beliefs that are embedded within each of us can be challenged when confronted with differing religious beliefs and cultural needs of a patient.  

Being respectful and empathetic are only one small component of understanding the cultural needs and beliefs of a patient.  I think it's time to learn from our patient  and with this knowledge our understanding of beliefs and culture would enhance the inpatient experience and quite possibly improve the patient health outcomes.

Jones, K., & Creedy, D. (2013). Health and human behaviour. South Melbourne, Vic.:  




Oxford University Press (2016). Retrieved 9 January 2016, from http://www.etraining.communitydoor.org