Homeless Culture

This week's topic was focused on the culture of homeless individuals. In this reflective journal I will share some personal thoughts and lessons learned from this topic.


Lesson's Learned: Homelessness
Homeless individuals are people who do not have sufficient means to provide shelter for themselves. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services define homeless as, "An individual who lacks housing (without regard to whether the individual is a member of a family), including an individual whose primary residence during the night is a supervised public or private facility that provides temporary living accommodations, and an individual who is a resident in transitional housing." 

There are many factors that can contribute to becoming homeless. Examples include, loss of employment, not being able to afford rent, lack of proper health care, substance abuse, domestic violence, mental illness, and poverty. While there are many more factors that could contribute these examples are common reasons many find themselves on the streets. Throughout the United States the rate of individuals becoming homeless are rapidly increasing. 

Homeless individuals value survival. Thus, they must depend on themselves in order to survive. However, there is a common comradery within the culture of homelessness. They appreciate social interactions with peers because it creates a sense of belonging and acceptance. Homeless individuals share a spirit of friendship and togetherness while they endure their difficult circumstances. Because these people lack a home and are simply striving to survive, they believe in helping one another out. Thus, the homeless community considers each other family and friends, regardless of blood relations. 

#nursingbyCOURTNEY: How to apply this knowledge to your nursing practice. 
Remember when you were in elementary school and the teacher would have you write down what you want to become when you grow up? "When I grow up I want to be a.... " Kids list things like: doctor, firefighter, lawyer, police man, pilot, and so on. Most kids usually don't dream of becoming homeless and living on the streets. Unfortunately, life happens and sometimes individuals are left to survive the harsh conditions of life. So, as nurses we must have an open mind when caring for homeless people. It is important to be kind and compassionate towards them with no harsh judgements. With all our patients we need provide emotional support. But I think homeless individuals may need a little extra emotional support.

So here is the #nursingbyCOURTNEY... Spend a little extra time with these individuals. After treating their physical needs go the extra mile, give them an opportunity to shower, offer them something to eat, ask about their story, and listen to them. I believe making homeless individuals feel important and wanted will help build a trusting relationship and allow them to want to continue to seek medical care and treatment. 

Courtney's "Two-Cent's"
This week's cultural topic certainly was an "eye-opener." I never truly considered homelessness to be a culture or something I needed to learn about. I thought the idea of homelessness was simple, they don't have a home. While researching more about homeless individuals and watching "The Pursuit of Happiness" I realized how often we forget out this group of people. Not just forget, but disregard them. Many people judge these individuals and mark them with the stigma of the "drug addicts." After reading more I realized this is not the case for a good portion of homeless people. I also realized these people are just like anyone else and should be treated kindly and respectfully. 
This topic has helped open my mind to how blessed I am and how I need to be better at recognizing others. It also helped me gain a new perspective on how to see these individuals, not as dirty people on the street, but rather are individuals who need to treated just like everyone else. 

References:
Homeless quote taken from: https://www.nhchc.org/faq/official-definition-homelessness/
Pictures taken from : http://www.commondreams.org/views/2014/10/14/ten-facts-about-being-homeless-usa
http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/family-friends-and-advocates-celebrate-lives-mourn-passing-of-the/article_44d73145-b23b-5c30-b490-9382581af61c.html
https://nursing322sp10.wordpress.com/spotlight-on-the-homeless-population/
http://allnurses.com/nurse-colleague-patient/boundaries-940245.html

Jehovah's Witnesses

This week's topic is on Jehovah's Witnesses. In this reflection entry I will talk about some things I learned while researching this culture and how it applies to me.

Lesson's learned: What do Jehovah's Witnesses believe? 

Jehovah's Witnesses are Christians who believe in God and Jesus Christ. They recognize the bible to be the word of God, and its contents are messages to all human beings. Within the 66 books of the bible they find guidance on how to live their lives. One common thing Jehovah's Witnesses are known for is their disbelief in receiving blood transfusions. Because of their belief and respect for God as the "Giver of life" they will not accept blood transfusions to try to sustain life. These beliefs are based on scriptural interpretations.

Leviticus 17:10 

 “‘If any man of the house of Israel or any foreigner who is residing in your midst eats any sort of blood, I will certainly set my face against the one who is eating the blood, and I will cut him off from among his people." 

Witnesses have since revised some of the interpretations of doctrine, and now allow certain fractions of blood such as: clotting factors, albumin, immunoglobulin vaccines, non-blood volume expanders, and the re-use of their own blood is acceptable. However members who willingly receive blood transfusions are shunned and considered un-repentant. 

#nursingbyCOURTNEY: How to APPLY the Jehovah's Witnesses culture into your nursing practice...

As individuals we are free to make our own choices. Each person has the right to live how he or she wants. Throughout our lives we are going to run into people whose choices differ from our own. And that's A-OK. The trick is accepting those differences of lifestyle, religious, and cultural choices. This point is especially important in health care. We must care for all people regardless of their personal choices and beliefs. Jehovah's Witnesses are no exception. As health-care providers we must learn to quickly accept and ADAPT to each patient's needs. 

Courtney's "Two-Cent's" 

I can see how the Jehovah's Witness culture could conflict with common medical practices and life saving techniques. I also can see why many health professional disagree with these practices. Personally, I don't see "eye-to-eye" with these beliefs either, but my personal views must not get in the way of how I treat others. I like to think of it in this perspective.... If expect others to respect my religious views and how I choose to practice those beliefs, I'm then expected to show the same respect for others and how they choose to practice their beliefs. 

References: 

Scriptural quote taken from: https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/jehovahs-witnesses-why-no-blood-transfusions/

Picture taken from: http://www.atheistrepublic.com/news/brisbane-judge-allows-blood-transfusion-jehovah-s-witnesses-boy

Picture taken from: http://www.bioedge.org/bioethics/bioethics_article/10117

Picture taken from: http://drivingresultsthroughculture.com/want-engaged-performance-show-respect/

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

This week's culture we focused on was the LDS church. In this entry I will talk about the things I learned, how I will apply them, and share my thoughts/feelings towards this culture. 

Lessons Learned: WHO are these "Mormons?" 

The term "Mormon" is a commonly used to refer to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Another common term in reference to the saints is "the LDS church." The word "Mormon" stems from their belief in the Book of Mormon, which was written by ancient prophets who testify of Jesus Christ and his teachings. Within the Book of Mormon you can find a record of Christ's life and Resurrection, His gospel, and a witnesses who bear testimony of His love for all God's children and His Atonement. 

LDS members believe in many practices and beliefs, all which are centered around God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. The greek noun and word "gospel" translates to mean "good news." Many members apply this translation into their attitudes towards sharing and inviting others to hear the "good news" of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel involves rich and deep doctrine, but is based off fundamental and foundational principles. These basic principles and beliefs were summarized by the first latter-day prophet, Joseph Smith in the thirteen Articles of Faith. Within the fourth Article of Faith it simply explains some of four basic fundamentals members believe in. 

"We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second,Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost." 

The LDS culture comes from their beliefs in the gospel, teachings of living prophets, commandments of God, and the plan of salvation. Because of these teachings and beliefs LDS members practice using their agency to show their love for God by keeping His commandments and choosing the right. Within this culture members willingly follow and listen to Christ's commandments and revelation through their living prophet, Thomas S. Monson. A few examples of guidelines members follow are: no sexual relations before marriage and to be faithful to your spouse, keep the word of wisdom (not to drink alcohol, coffee, tea, do not smoke or harmful substances), pay an honest tithe of 10% of all earnings, dress modestly and do not defile your body, do not swear and speak kindly to others, and be loving and forgiving to others. 

#nursingbyCOURTNEY: How to APPLY the knowledge of the LDS culture to nursing practices... 

I think by understanding the LDS culture and beliefs you will be less likely to say or do anything that might be considered offensive. I think it is important to recognize and respect all cultures and practices regardless of your own personal beliefs. As a healthcare professional it is vital to establish trust with your patients to facilitate the healing process. I believe to establish trust with anyone you must FIRST get to know them. (Honestly, how can you trust someone you don't know?) If you genuinely are interested about an individual you tend to care and treat them better.

SO, here's a #nursingbyCOURTNEY.... Get to know your patients, be NON-judgemental, and be KIND no matter the conflicts of cultural or religious beliefs.

Courtney's "Two-Cent's"

Most of people who are reading this LIVE in Utah. Thus, it's no surprise those who live in Utah or even within the United States, know that a good portion of the population in Utah (especially Utah County) are a part of the LDS faith. So as a nurse you see and treat many LDS members. I believe whether or not you like or dislike, agree or disagree with their beliefs it is important to treat everyone fairly and with kindness. Just follow the advice from Thumper in the Disney's classic film Bambi, "If you can't say something nice don't say nothing at all." 

This next part is where Courtney's "Two-Cent's" mixes with "church and state".. so read at your own discretion ;)  

The LDS culture and church is very dear to my heart. Yes, I am a one of the so-called "Mormons" and I am overly grateful and humbled to be considered one. I could probably go on and talk about my love for the gospel of Jesus Christ for hours, days, weeks, months, years, and my entire earthly life. But because I am an exhausted nursing student and have way too many assignments due tonight, I will spare you the long hours of reading my personal thoughts and just share my simple testimony. I know I am a Child of God and I am loved. I know the gospel is true and it is has brought me more happiness than any words could possibly describe. I know because my Savior died for me I can live again and be with my family forever. I have a strong testimony of the power of prayer and the comfort it brings. Through study and prayer I found for myself the Book of Mormon to be true and I have witnessed its truthfulness within my life. I know all these things to be true and bare my humble and sincere testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

References:

Article of Faith Quote from: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/pgp/a-of-f/1?lang=eng

Pictures taken from: 

http://www.nursing360.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/nursing-care.jpg

http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/disney/images/a/a3/Thumper2.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20120818225126

https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bc/scriptures/new-edition/new-ed-feature.jpg

http://media.ldscdn.org/images/media-library/jesus-christ/jesus-christ-1138511-wallpaper.jpg

Cultural Diversity

In this reflective journal entry, I would like to discuss and share my thoughts and feelings of the things I've learned about this week's topic, Cultural Diversity. 

Lessons learned: What is Cultural Diversity? And WHY does it matter?

The dictionary defines Cultural Diversity as, "The cultural variety and cultural differences that exist in the world, a society, or an institution." Simply, we all are different and these "differences" are what make us who we are. In addition, our culture is what shapes us, it helps shape our identity which influences our behaviors and even the way we think. 

Cultural diversity is important because at some point in our lives we will have to interact with people and cultures whose way of being is different from our own. Our schools, workplaces, and country are becoming increasingly filled with various racial, ethnic, and cultural groups. If we do not begin to recognize and understand other cultural groups we may be missing out on learning new perspectives, new knowledge, and new ways of thinking. As I stated previously, our culture is what shapes us. By accepting others and their differences we are more able to learn from each other and facilitate collaboration and cooperation.

#nursingbyCOURTNEY: How to APPLY the knowledge being culturally diverse to nursing practices...

I believe it is important to recognize and respect individuals and groups with cultural differences. I believe this concept is especially important for health care professionals. As a student nurse we practice and learn about how to care for patients and be their advocates. We are trained to carefully monitor physical signs and symptoms to help indicate if further treatment is necessary. However this is not our only role. We must be conscious of their mental, spiritual, and cultural needs to aid them throughout the healing process. Being culturally diverse will give me more opportunities to learn more about other cultures and provide a way for me as a nurse to care for my patients in a way that will help them best. I think as nurses we must be aware of other cultures and their cultural beliefs about care and medicine to be able to understand how to approach treatments. 

Courtney's "Two-Cent's"  

When I was younger my family lived in a neighborhood with a mixed variety of cultures. Russian, Indian, African-American, Korean, Muslim, Hawaiian, German and Italian. I remember some of my closest friends shared different beliefs and came from very different cultures than my own. Throughout my childhood I was always taught to respect and treat others in a way that I would like to be treated regardless of their race, beliefs, and culture. While growing up it never occurred to me to discriminate another because of their personal beliefs and culture. As I have gotten older I still think in the same fashion to treat others kindly regardless of their differences in ethnicity, race, or culture. I think it is very important to treat others fairly and be open to other cultures. Because who knows? You could end up finding a something special in another culture you never would've found unless you opened your mind a little. 

References: 

Cultural Diversity Definition from: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/cultural-diversity

Pictures taken from: 

http://www.nursetogether.com/mlk-day-opportunity-reflect-nursing-community%E2%80%99s-diversity

http://www.myfamilybuilders.com/2015/05/05/raceandcultural-diversity/
https://learn.uvm.edu/blog-health/cultural-diversity-in-healthcare