You should respond to at least two of your peers by extending, refuting/correcting, or adding additional nuance to their posts. Your reply posts are worth 2 points (1 point per response.)
Incorporate a minimum of 2 current (published within the last five years) scholarly journal articles or primary legal sources (statutes, court opinions) within your work. Journal articles should be referenced according to the current APA style (the online library has an abbreviated version of the APA Manual).
DISCUSSION 1
Module 5 Discussion
Caring for Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese Populations
Viviana Maleno
St. Thomas University
NUR505: Diversity in Advanced Health Practice
Professor Marcia Derby-Davis
February 8, 2024
Caring for East Indian Hindu, Haitian, & Jewish Populations
East Indian Hindu Families
Family Structure
In East Indian Hindu households, an established social structure revolves around patrilineality, characterized by strong connections with extended family members. This inclination comes from a profoundly embedded respect for familial bonds, which are viewed as essential pillars of social unity, particularly in supporting and honoring elders. This familial hierarchy typically manifests in a hierarchical arrangement, wherein the eldest male assumes a position of authority and leadership. This practice underlines the tradition of multigenerational cohabitation or living in close proximity among relatives, illustrating the enduring tradition of a joint family system within the community (www.santaferelo.com, 2019).
Health-Seeking Behavior
East Indian Hindu families often prefer traditional healing practices such as home remedies and Ayurveda (ancient Indian medical system) before seeking Western medical care (Jaiswa & Williams., 2017). As for making family decisions, health concerns are generally shared with huge influence from the oldest men or elders in influencing individual decision-making towards healthcare. Social stigma and privacy issues may prevent some patients from talking openly about health problems which can delay getting medical aid. Also, some cultural and religious beliefs like karma or fate can influence meanings related to illnesses, which may cause a person’s view of the necessity for immediate medical help due to past behavior.
Haiti and Haitian Immigrants
High Birth Rate Contributing Factors
In Haiti, a profound respect for family and the concept of fertility infiltrates society, with large families being valued as sources of strength and support (Bouilly et al., 2020). This cultural outlook often leads to societal acceptance and even praise of early and frequent pregnancies, which are further aided by significant barriers to education, particularly for women. Combining this dynamic are the persistent religious beliefs rooted in Catholicism, which may depress the use of contraception, thereby contributing to a higher birth rate among Haitians. The connection of economic restrictions further complicates matters, as limited financial resources often restrict access to contraceptives, exacerbating challenges in family planning within the Haitian community. This complex context underscores the interplay of cultural, religious, and socioeconomic factors influencing reproductive practices and family dynamics in Haiti.
Jewish Clients in a Hospital Setting
Religious Needs
Ensuring compliance with a Kosher diet is essential, requiring meals to be strictly prepared with separate utensils and kitchen equipment (Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2021). This adherence extends beyond dietary considerations, about the observance of religious practices such as abstaining from work-related activities, such as controlling lights, and promoting a tranquil atmosphere during the Sabbath. Additionally, providing access to designated prayer spaces or quiet areas for individuals to engage in personal prayer is important.
Furthermore, recognizing and respecting Jewish cultural values, particularly the principles of reserve and privacy, is crucial. Implementing gender-sensitive care practices, including thoughtful consideration of private arrangements, is essential to keep these values within healthcare settings.
In instances where religious guidance or rituals are required, collaboration with a rabbi for religious consultation is recommended, underscoring the importance of facilitating the spiritual needs of individuals within the Jewish community. By thoughtfully addressing these diverse aspects of religious observance and cultural sensitivity, healthcare providers can adopt an environment that respects and accommodates the religious and cultural beliefs of their patients.
DISCUSSION 2
Kristina Prewitt
February 5, 2024
Saint Thomas University- NUR-505- AP2
Dr. Marcia Derby- Davis
Describe the family structure of some East Indian Hindu Families and the effect the family organization may have on health-seeking behavior.
The East Indian Hindu family is very family oriented. They do not view family as intrusive on their personal space (Giger & Haddad, 2020). Typically, if the East Indian Hindu patient gets ill the entire family gathers at their bedside. This can include grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The patient relies heavily on their familys support, and input on their healthcare decisions. When communicating with this culture it is important to involve English and Hindi speaking relatives in your discussion. This way you can respect their cultural identity and ensure they understand the plan and diagnosis. When caring for this patient the practitioner must consider individualism is not the accepted norm in this culture (Giger & Haddad, 2020). The practitioner should also realize that the father is considered the head of the family, and the primary decision maker. This may affect healthcare as often times the father may not seek medical attention outside of the home, in fear of public scrutiny of the family (Giger & Haddad, 2020). It is important the practitioner respects the husband or father, to gain trust and show respect as the head of the family. If the nurse fails to do so she may humiliate the head of the family, and confidence in the practitioner.
What are the contributing factors that lead to high birth weight in Haiti and amongst Haitian Americans?
Contributing factors to high birth weights in the Haitian American baby are related to poor diet. The practitioner should be aware that their poor diet is a result of the lack of readily available food items (Giger & Haddad, 2020). These poor nutritional habits have persisted even after immigration to the United States. Poor nutritional habits while pregnant can lead to certain gestational issues. One that might cause high birth weight is Gestational Diabetes, and associated with high birth weights (Gillman, 2003). A Lack of prenatal care or resources, and socioeconomic factors all play a role in high birth weights amongst Haitian Americans.
List religious needs a Jewish client might have while being hospitalized with which nursing staff can assist?
The Nurse can ensure the Jewish client has the proper diet in place, and should collect a thorough history of what they eat. Often times the Jewish client follows a Kosher Diet. If the hospital cannot provide Kosher, they can serve fish that meets the dietary requirement of having fins and scales (Giger & Haddad, 2020). The nurse can allow the family to be more present with the Jewish patient, as they traditionally consider themselves to be a part of the healing process. The nurse must be patient with these clients, they tend to be more vocal about anxiety, feelings, and pain (Giger & Haddad, 2020). Offer the Jewish patient a visit from the Rabbi if possible, or help facilitate one with their Rabbi. This shows cultural competency and build a stronger trust relationship.
DISCUSSION 3
Week 5 Discussion Post
Erika Lucid
St. Thomas University
NUR 506: Influencing Health Policy
Dr. Oliveira
February 8, 2024
What advocacy actions might you take to improve health care through legislation at the state or federal level?
Nurse practitioners play a crucial role in advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes. They are well-positioned to advocate for changes in legislation at both the state and federal levels, which can positively impact healthcare delivery, access, and quality. By leveraging their clinical expertise and firsthand knowledge of patient needs, NPs can drive policy changes that enhance the healthcare system. Nurse practitioners can practice nurse advocacy in several ways through legislation at the state and federal levels.
At the state level, nurse practitioners can engage in advocacy efforts to promote full practice authority. Full practice authority allows NPs to independently assess, diagnose, and interpret lab tests and initiate treatment plans without mandated collaboration with physicians. NPs can work to educate state legislators and policymakers about the benefits of full practice authority, such as increased access to care, improved patient outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. They can also collaborate with professional nursing organizations to draft and support legislation expanding their practice scope (DePriest et al., 2020).
Furthermore, NPs can advocate for increased funding for nursing education programs to address the growing demand for primary care providers. By lobbying for state grants and scholarships for aspiring NPs, they can help alleviate the shortage of primary care providers in underserved areas. Additionally, NPS can spearhead initiatives that promote healthcare workforce diversity, such as supporting scholarships for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing careers in nursing (Brooks Carthon et al., 2015).
At the federal level, nurse practitioners can advocate for policy changes that address healthcare disparities and improve access to care for marginalized populations. This can include supporting legislation aimed at receding barriers to care for rural communities, enhancing Telehealth reimbursement, and expanding access to mental health services. NPs can also engage in efforts to influence Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement policies to ensure fair compensation for their services, ultimately improving access to care for vulnerable populations (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2024).
In addition, NPs can advocate for healthcare policies prioritizing preventative care and chronic disease management. They can support legislation that incentivizes integrating wellness and prevention programs into primary care settings, ultimately reducing healthcare costs and improving population health outcomes. By highlighting the importance of early intervention and disease management, NPs can influence policymakers to prioritize funding for preventative care initiatives (Woo, 2024).
Furthermore, NPs can drive advocacy efforts to address healthcare workforce challenges, such as addressing provider burnout and promoting interprofessional collaboration. They can support legislation that allocates resources for mental health and wellness programs for healthcare professionals and initiatives that foster teamwork and collaboration among different healthcare disciplines (American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 2021).
Nurses are in a prime position to identify what is and is not working within the healthcare system and take the steps to bring about change. Lobbying is an excellent way for the NP to get involved at the local, state, and federal levels. For many, lobbying can be overwhelming and scary, but this term should not invoke fear. By combining medical knowledge and experience with passion and commitment, NPs can access paid officials without being paid lobbyists and still make a difference. There are daily opportunities for the NP to network, volunteer for a community task force, and play pivotal roles in shaping the future of healthcare, which coincidentally will improve patient outcomes (Mason et al., 2016).
DISCUSSION 4
State & Federal Advocacy
Bermadean Mends
St Thomas University
NUR-505-AP2
Dr. Anjelis Oliveira
2/08/2024
State or Federal Advocacy
As a nurse, actively participating in the policy-making process at the State level is essential to advocate for improvements in healthcare through legislation. There are several advocacy actions that a nurse can take into consideration to help shape healthcare policies and bring about changes in the healthcare system. One of the first steps a nurse can take is to stay informed on current healthcare legislation, policies, and issues affecting your State (Chiu et al., 2021). This means subscribing to relevant newsletters, attending legislative briefings, and following healthcare-related news to keep you updated. Another crucial step is to join nursing and healthcare professional organizations that engage in advocacy efforts. These organizations often provide resources, support, and information on healthcare legislative issues and can help amplify your voice as a nurse. Participating in advocacy campaigns by connecting with local nursing associations and working on healthcare issues can also be an effective way to advocate for improvements in healthcare (Chiu et al., 2021). This may involve writing letters, making phone calls, or attending town hall meetings to express your concerns and raise awareness about healthcare issues. Establishing relationships with your state legislators is another crucial step towards advocating for improvements in healthcare. You can arrange meetings or attend legislative sessions to educate them on healthcare issues, share your experiences as a nurse, and provide evidence-based information to support your perspective (Chiu et al., 2021).
Attending public hearings and testifying on healthcare-related bills or issues is also a powerful way to advocate for improvements in healthcare (Nursing, 2022). Sharing one’s expertise and personal experiences can help legislators understand the impact of proposed policies on patient care and the nursing profession. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups, and community organizations to build a coalition for healthcare advocacy can also be an effective way to advocate for improvements in healthcare (Nursing, 2022). A united front can have a more substantial impact on legislators and help drive change. Advocating for policies that support nursing practice, education, and workforce development is another critical step toward improving healthcare. This may include advocating for safe nurse-to-patient ratios, improved working conditions, and increased funding for nursing education programs. Advocating for policies that address social determinants of health, such as housing, education, and access to nutritious food, is also crucial. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these factors with overall health outcomes is essential to achieving meaningful improvements in healthcare (Nursing, 2022).
Additionally, advocating for policies that improve access to healthcare services, particularly for underserved populations, is essential (Chiu et al., 2021). This may involve supporting Medicaid expansion, community health clinics, and initiatives that address healthcare disparities. Utilizing social media and online platforms to raise awareness about healthcare issues and legislative priorities, share information, engage with policymakers, and encourage others to join advocacy efforts is also a powerful way to advocate for improvements in healthcare (Chiu et al., 2021). Advocating for nurse representation in leadership positions within healthcare organizations and government bodies is another way to drive change in healthcare. Nurses bring a unique perspective to policy discussions and decision-making that can help shape healthcare policies that are more effective and patient-centered. Finally, advocating for policies that prioritize health promotion and disease prevention can help improve overall health outcomes (Nursing, 2022). This may involve supporting initiatives related to public health education, vaccination programs, and wellness promotion that can help prevent disease and improve public health. In summary, nurses’ active participation in the legislative process is critical to achieving positive changes in healthcare policies. Through cultivating relationships with policymakers and a steadfast dedication to advocacy, nurses can help drive the progression of healthcare policy and improve patient outcomes.
