Professional Communication: Cultural Sensitivity
Grand Canyon University
March 25, 2013
Professional Communication: Cultural Sensitivity
The reason for writing this paper is to research a specific culture group and become familiar with their beliefs regarding how to properly take care of when they are in the hospital. The significance of nursing competence in caring for various cultural groups is important through assessment, communication, interaction, and educating to meet the beliefs and morals of the patient. Culture competence is a “compilation of the clinical skills and professional behaviors of a healthcare provider focused on the cultural beliefs, values, and perceptions of the client” (Barker, 2009, p. 496).The culture group chosen for this report is Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Summary of Article
The ethical treatment of patients involves choices which reflect the “beliefs and feelings about what society fundamentally regards as good or right” (McInroy, 2005, p. 271). It is imperative healthcare staff be aware of the different culture beliefs and honor the patient’s requests. One of the cultural and religious beliefs of the Jehovah’s Witnesses is to refuse any blood transfusion. They are taught by their faith that blood products consist of whole blood, red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma. According to their belief, when a Christian abstains from blood, “they are in effect expressing faith that only the shed blood of Jesus Christ can truly redeem them and save their life” (McInroy, 2005, p. 273). They are not allowed to donate or store their own blood for transfusion. It is acceptable for some to receive blood proteins such as Factor VII products. Jehovah’s Witnesses also choose to receive portions of blood including immunoglobulins, hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers, and albumin. Staff should clarify what the individual will and will not receive. It is important that with any procedure the Jehovah’s Witnesses may undergo, they...