Reflect on your experiences as a nurse and on the information provided in this week’s Learning Resources on diversity issues in health assessments.

As a nurse, it is important to understand the different socioeconomic, spiritual, lifestyle, and other cultural factors that may affect a patient’s health. The following factors could be related to the health of MR (a 23-year old Native American man):

Socioeconomic MR might face socio-economic disadvantages because he is a Native American. Native Americans are more likely to be poor than other Americans, and have limited healthcare access.

Spiritual: MR’s concern about getting into heaven suggests a strong spiritual belief system. You should respect and understand his views and make sure that all treatment plans reflect his values.

Lifestyle: MR’s use of marijuana and alcohol may be a way of coping with his anxiety. To assess the potential health effects, it is crucial to know how much and how often he uses marijuana.

Other cultural influences: As a Native American MR might have unique cultural practices or beliefs which may influence his health. He might place a high value on community support or traditional healing techniques.

In order to establish trust, you must be sensitive to all of these aspects when interacting. An approach that is non-judgmental as well as culturally sensitive is crucial. To assess MR’s health risks, I would ask the following five targeted questions:

1. What is your level of anxiety?
2. What is your marijuana/alcohol consumption? What negative health effects have you experienced?
3. What are your cultural or traditional beliefs and practices?
4. Has your experience with healthcare professionals been positive or bad?
5. Do you know of any history in your family of diabetes, high blood pressure, or alcoholism? And have you had these conditions screened before?

In order to communicate with MR effectively, I will use strategies like active listening, plain language and incorporating cultural beliefs in the conversation. To ensure MR receives the highest quality of care, it is essential to build a relationship based on respect and trust.

Referral: Office of Minority Health. (2021). American Indian/Alaska Native Profile. Retrieved from https://minorityhealth.hhs.gov/omh/browse.aspx?lvl=3&lvlid=62 Simpson, M. (2016). Culturally sensitive nurse care in the 21st century: a challenge. British Journal of Nursing, 25(22), 1253-1258. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2016.25.22.1253