Cultural Diversity



Diversity is the human difference that distinguishes an individual or group of people from others. It is a mosaic of people who offer a variety of backgrounds, styles, perspectives, values and beliefs.

Culture is the attitudes and behaviors that are characteristic of a particular social group or organization.

GCMC recognizes and honors the person’s right to exercise cultural beliefs and to receive holistic care.

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Population Specific Considerations

Socioeconomic Status:

✓ Mercer County has a large population of seniors; many are on a fixed incomes.

✓ Mercer County has lost many of its manufacturing jobs. Many of the remaining service jobs are lower paying.

Cultural Heritage:

✓ A person’s culture, racial or ethnic background may influence a person’s attitude toward wellness behaviors.

✓ Mercer County and surrounding areas have a wide range of European backgrounds, especially Italian, German, Polish, Croatian, and Slovenian.

✓ African Americans represent a large percentage of Mercer County’s urban population.

✓ Amish are a unique cultural group residing predominantly in rural areas.

Food Preference:

• Patients may believe that certain foods will make them healthy or contribute to the illness.

• Patients may avoid certain foods or limit food and fluid intake in relation to religious beliefs or holy days.

Religious Beliefs and Practices:

• Patients may keep or wear religious items. Ask permission before removing it.

• A patient may pray at specific times of the day. Allow for privacy and avoid scheduling procedures during those times.

Gender:

• In some cultures a female may need to include a male authority figure in decisions.

Views about Birth and Death:

• Patients may perform various activities that they feel are important to keep a baby healthy before birth.

• Family members or spiritual advisors may play an important role at the time of birth. Include these members in the event if possible.

• Immediately before birth and/or after death of a patient, at any age, family members or spiritual advisors may need to perform rituals for the patient. These should be allowed and privacy provided when possible.

Socioeconomic Status:

• Social class may determine how people within a group relate to each other.

• Some people may need help finding financial support for healthcare.

LANGUAGE CONSIDERATIONS:

← Know what language the patient uses or prefers.

(Including sign language)

o Avoid medical jargon

o Use certified interpreters as appropriate.

← Provide information in various ways.

o Use pictures , diagrams, videos

o Demonstrate procedures

o Have patient perform a return demonstration

← Avoid eye contact, touching or sitting too close if the

patient avoids these.

← Ask open-ended questions that will encourage discussion.

← Use the patient’s name of choice (ask the patient his/her

preference).

← Know that hand gestures may have different meanings in

different cultures.

← To assist the hard of hearing we have the following items

available for use:

* Hearing amplifiers

* Phone amplifiers

* TDD phones

← To assist those who are English deficient we use the AT&T

language line. The supervisors can assist with this. A

certified interpreted must be utilized for admissions,

discharges and consents.

Please refer to policy- NURS 3.70

Also… there are pictures sheets available on the nursing

departments to help with communication for the nonverbal or

non-English speaking patient.

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British – It is considered good luck to meet a black cat.

Bad luck comes if you see a bat flying and hear its cries

Native Americans - Believe that treating the spirit is as important

as treating the body.

Aspirin is actually derived from an American Indian

G herb – the willow bark.

Japanese - Consider a leisure stroll work or punishment

Associate the # 4 with death

Favor indirect eye contact when speaking

Green tea is offered only at funerals

Eating dog meat may be considered medicinal

Chile – Giving a yellow rose signified contempt or scorn

Mexico – Crooking the index finger to say “come here” and

the American “okay” sign are considered obscene.

They are not big on personal space and will usually

stand close to you.

It is considered polite to leave food on your plate after eating.

France – It is rude to not look someone in the eye when speaking.

Chinese – Are superstitious about the number 4

Believe that certain foods assist with healing disease

Some believe blood does not regenerate, therefore

explain procedures

Believe it or not….. some people consider sheep eyes,

monkey brains, gorilla hands a delicious delicacy!!!

HOW CAN EMPLOYEES PROMOTE DIVERSITY

[pic] Acknowledge that cultures are different and be aware that

different cultures exist.

[pic] Recognize and respect others and their individuality.

[pic]Understand your own culture, beliefs, and values.

[pic]Engage in self- assessment.

[pic]Acquire cultural knowledge and skills.

[pic]View behavior within the cultural context. Interactions

between two people of different cultures requires

understanding and an accepting attitude.

[pic] Eliminate stereotypes and generalizations.

[pic] Think before you speak and be sensitive to others.

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DIVERSITY…

NOT SIMPLY NATIONALITIES…..

Generations

Family traditions

Religion

Socioeconomic

Education level

Language

Ethics

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INTERESTING CULTURE TRIVIA:

Please refer to GCMC policies:

- HR 1.22

- ADMIN 1.16 A

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