Give Specific Examples Of Hmong Values

3. Give specific examples of how health care professionals did not value or respond effectively to any of the Hmong values/beliefs you have listed in the questions above. What was the outcome of that cultural insensitivity.

The Hmong traditions, beliefs and ways of life were often compromised at the hands of American society. Cultural insensitivity is prevalent throughout the Hmong’s journey with the American health care system. Between 8 months and 4.5 years Lia was in the hospital seventeen times and made more the one hundred visits to ER and paediatric clinic. The health care system failed to attempt to understand the Hmong language and culture, which lead to the Hmong adapting their cultural traditions and familiarities to please

Nao Kao did not understand why his daughter was tied down, revoking more of his trust in the health care system he kept removing them. This is a perfect example of how easily communication and trusting nurse-client relationship could have prevented this misunderstanding and ambiguity. Peggy and Neil prescribed numerous medications for Lia over the course of her hospital visits. Nao Kao and Foua did not speak or read English, leading her to keep seizing because she did not have enough Phenobarbital in her blood, “Foua and Nao Kao, of course, had no idea what the labels said” (p.46). American doctors believed decreasing the risk of the seizures as more important, and the Lee’s viewed Lia’s nature and personality as more significant. The Lee’s were horrified with the side effects of the medications that disrupted her character. Thus leading to the doctors thinking the Lee’s were non-compliant with her medical regime. This, however, was clearly not the issue as the Hmong cherished and loved their children so deeply. They only had diverse beliefs and

As a nurse dignity is providing each individual with the best possible care despite circumstances, differences in morals, beliefs and cultures. It is preserving personhood and humanity in all situations, acknowledging their values even if they contradict our own. Both Lia’s parents and the doctors had Lia’s best interest in mind they had different view points and approaches in reaching that unanimous goal. Caregivers could have restored dignity to the Lee’s by making them feel respected, that their traditions and culture were valued. Neil and Peggy were even more surprised- and grieved- to learn that the Lees believed that Lia had been taken from them in the first place not to safeguard her health but because the doctors were angry at [them] for being non compliant, and wished to inflict punishment (p.110). This story is immensely impactful but also enraging from my personal perspective. I can see how easily the anger of the health care providers, the misunderstandings from the Lee’s, their anxiety, stress, worry, could have all been diminished with simple communication. Dignity preservation could have been more evident if the Americans simply tried to understand their language or hired and interpreter. Caregivers could show an interest in their traditions and belief’s and respect their choice to take home the placentas, utilize natural remedies, or sacrifice animals. A