Responses to Cultural and Spiritual Beliefs and Practices
Student 1
Hello Naom
African-Americans rely on religion for various aspects that go beyond merely in the obvious spiritual nourishment. Though most of them are Christians, there are a good number of African-Americans who also practice Islam (Chatters et al., 2015). However, one underlying fact is that in both cases, the religious leaders and religion wields significant influence in the lives of these individuals. Matters of health are closely related to religion, and health concerns are subject to multiple spiritual interventions from people from all walks of life. Several religious beliefs exist in a bid to explain various issues related to aspects of ill-health among various people in this group. Therefore, as an advanced nurse, it is imperative to understand the multiple problems that are contentious to the religion of the people. In that regard, the role of spirituality must be given prominence when dealing with issues that relate to the health of the people (Chatters et al., 2015). Thus, an advanced nurse must put in place mechanisms that integrate spirituality and medical practice in place.
Reference
Chatters, L. M., Taylor, R. J., Woodward, A. T., & Nicklett, E. J. (2015). Social support from the church and family members and depressive symptoms among older African Americans. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 23(6), 559-567.
Student 2
Hello Jessie
Working in the hospice could be relatively challenging, needs patience and understanding of the issues that face the patients under your care. In this department, you will be required to provide efficient care that brings comfort to most of the patients rather than giving them false hope about survival. The situation could be relatively hard when dealing with the Hispanics who always believe that any health concern issues must be attributed to the will of God. Since most Hispanics are Catholics, they often follow the conservative teachings of the church, an aspect that hugely influences their decision, especially in their existence at the hospice (Kirkendall et al., 2015). However, through appreciating their belief in Fatalism, an advanced nurse is in a position to effectively enhance care provision in line to that belief to draw comfort to the patient and subsequently make her rest of life comfortable as they wait to transcend peacefully to another phase (Kirkendall et al., 2015). The initiative would be vital in taking care of individuals.
Reference
Kirkendall, A., Holland, J. M., Keene, J. R., & Luna, N. (2015). Evaluation of hospice care by family members of Hispanic and non-Hispanic patients. American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®, 32(3), 313-321.