Culturally Competent Nursing for the Native Americans

Culturally Competent Nursing for the Native Americans

Cultural Competence has many different definitions in the literature. However, in essence, it is a compilation of the clinical skills and professional behaviors of a healthcare provider focused on the cultural values, beliefs, and perceptions of the consumer while both are engaged in the therapeutic relationship (Barker, 2009, p. 496). Native Americans have many different cultural factors that influence their perspectives of traditional professional healthcare practices. The purpose of this paper is to gain a basic understanding of the Native American cultural beliefs, values, and practices so to help assist the Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) to provide culturally competent care. Native Americans are experiencing a higher incidence and prevalence of many chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The APN in Occupational Health will have a role in the health promotion and chronic disease management of this population in the workplace so it is imperative to realize the cultural differences between the American Caucasian and the Native American when developing a relationship and communicating with them. Since the health care provider encounters the Native American population less frequently, I chose this cultural group to investigate in this paper.

Cultural beliefs and values have a direct impact in the lives of different Native American tribes. The article I chose to review, The Delivery of Culturally Sensitive Healthcare to the Native American, reviews health and illness beliefs, tradition remedies, the critical need for holistic care and the 5 great values that guide Native American behavior. The 5 great values are: generosity and sharing; respect for the Older Ones; getting along with nature; individual freedom; courage. When an individual is caring for a Native American it is important to have an understanding of their role as the health care provider in relation to the Native Americans traditional beliefs in healing. From a Native American holistic perspective, life must be lived in a synergistic balance to support a strong, healthy person and family (Warne, 2008). The nurse who is culturally sensitive will have an understanding of the traditional healing practices that aim to restore balance and harmony to the mind, body, spirit and community in order to offer well rounded care to this population. In addition, nurses need to have an understanding of their own personal traditions and cultural beliefs so to not impose their culture during and interaction and avoid stereotyping. Many of the diverse traditions and customs that help to shape a Native American cultural environment have a significant relation to health and illness, including issues relating to dietary practices, folk remedies, and certain religious customs. It is important the practitioner develop an awareness of the significance of