Professional Communication: Cultural Sensitivity of Mexican-American Women

Professional Communication: Cultural Sensitivity of Mexican-American Women

Penny Lopez

Grand Canyon University

Theoretical Foundations for Nursing Roles and Practice

NUR-502

Cynthia Aaron

December 09, 2015

Professional Communication: Cultural Sensitivity of Mexican-American Women

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to provide better understanding of the Mexican-American woman, her culture, thinking patterns, possible beliefs regarding healthcare. It will assist the nurse in competence in nursing care with this culture. Mexican-American women are commonly seen as patients in the hospital and healthcare setting in Phoenix, Arizona. This is why the writer would like to understand this culture more to better care for patients. The writer has also married into and now have adult children in this culture and having the increased knowledge would help when a family member has health issues.

Moving toward a culturally competent nurse in the book, Barker & DeNisco, (2013) is explained.  The best way to provide the best quality of care   and enable the nurse to focus on patient-centered care for the Mexican-American woman, they need this increased cultural knowledge. The United States currently has diverse needs, especially with the Hispanic population on the rise. It only makes sense for nurses and other health care workers to be as competent culturally as possible. The diversity in the community, work place, and patient cliental nurses need this education to give the best possible care (Barker & DeNisco, 2013).

Summary of Article

The journal article, found on ursingworld.org, explains that the fastest-growing population of minorities is the Mexican-American (Eggenberger, Grassley, & Restrepo, 2006). The authors assuming that the women in the Mexican-American family would maintain the health of the family. Understanding the beliefs and culture of these woman would give them the perspective of this patient profile. The perspective of the family was of a loyalty, commitment, and support in healthcare needs. They often go be by the side of family members in the hospital, doctor appointments, and even in testing. They have extended family join in the support and it is expected (Eggenberger et al., 2006).

The religion in this culture is common to be Catholic and influence their thoughts on illness and health care. They may believe it is punishment for an illness, or what God planned for them. Cold and hot represents the belief that a balance of these two equals good health. They may include dry and wet as an influence on health (Eggenberger et al., 2006). Often the writer has heard other family members say to get out of the “cold” air with that “wet” hair or it will cause a cold to come.

There are often some kind of “folk medicine” that is used in this culture (p.3). This is especially with minor problems in health care. They may use amulets, herbs, teas, rituals, and even using cinnamon (Eggenberger et al., 2006, p. 3). It has been seen in a separate isle or shelf area in the Mexican grocery store filled with teas, herbs, and creams of folk medicine by the writer.