Culture is a complex system, which reflects human experience and behavior. Therefore, understanding aspects that differentiate individuals and groups requires professional nurses to reflect on personal belief systems. Caring for individuals who are “different” than us can unveil personal, ethical, and moral dilemmas. A patient’s culture, behavior, and lifestyle can have a powerful impact on his/her perceptions of health and health care. Take a few minutes to watch Fayth Parks discuss her experiences and research regarding the therapeutic role of culture, in the TEDx Talk, “How Culture Connects to Healing and Recovery” (TEDxAugusta, 2015).
Read the Purnell Model of Cultural Competence that provides healthcare professionals with an organizing framework to help guide them in the delivery of culturally competent care (visit the National Association of School nurses for a visual explanation of the Purnell Model figure). The assigned textbook readings and the Purnell article will provide you an opportunity to learn:
the major assumptions, description, and 12 domains of the model
how the model can be applied in healthcare theory, research, practice, and administration.
Directions
Compose a short narrative (250-300 words) in the discussion space. [This is about one page of text that is typed in Times New Roman, 12-point font, and is double-spaced.]
Select one trait or tradition from your own culture, describe its characteristics, and explain how it is meaningful to you.
Relate this to a domain within the Purnell Model for Cultural Competence (Purnell, 2002) and compare this information to one other culture of your choosing.
What are the similarities and differences of this trait between the two cultures?
Support your content with information from at least one peer reviewed healthcare professional journal article.
