How Caring Is Applied In A Multicultural Society

The essay is about the student nurse researching how caring is applied in a nursing practice in a bicultural society. Biculturalism is when values, beliefs, and traditions of two distinct cultures exist and it is displayed and practiced in the society (Wepa, 2015). Also, the two distinct cultural groups usually have unequal power and status, within the society united by one economic and political structure (Wepa, 2015). Aotearoa (New Zealand) is an example of bi-cultural nation wherein Pākehā (European settlers) and Māori (Indigenous New Zealander) are the two main cultures. Hence, Biculturalism in Aotearoa represents the relationship between Māori and the Crown resulting in a bicultural relationship (Wepa, 2015).

Providing care is one of

According to McCracken (2014), empowerment refers to the ability of the patient to make their own decisions and retain their autonomy during their hospital care. This shows when Māori and Pākehā receive care, they should have an equal right to be empowered. However, it can mean different for both cultures (McCracken, 2014). Moreover, providing autonomy adheres to the nursing Code of Ethics that supports the patient to be empowered and enabled informed consent (New Zealand Nurses Organisation, 2010). Empowering the patient can be accomplished by providing patient and family education; ensuring the patient and family participate during the treatment planning; and incorporating their values, beliefs, and tradition into their care (McCracken, 2014). Wherein, communicating effectively and being culturally safe plays a part when accomplishing patient empowerment. Therefore, empowerment is a feature of practicing in an ethical manner. Hence, working ethically is an example of being culturally safe in practice, which adheres to the nursing competency 1.5 stating practice in a way the patient identifies as culturally safe (Nursing Council New Zealand, [NCNZ]

This self–awareness helps develop competence and how to provide safer care, as it is an important tool in developing a patient–nurse relationship. According to Stein–Parbury (2014), self-awareness is knowing own self and the essential things in life that influence our daily routine. It includes reflecting on how belief, values, attitudes, and judgements can influence others and their performance. However, it is important for nurses to ensure their own values and beliefs are not imposed in practice when providing care (Stein-Parbury, 2014). Additionally, the Code of Health and Disability Services states that every patient has the right to receive care that incorporates their values, beliefs, and needs (Burgess, 2008). Therefore, it is important to provide care in a way that is empowering the patient, which is considered being culturally safe in