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