Nursing Care for the Arab Culture Essay

Culturally competent cares in the medical field can make a huge difference in the satisfaction and the healing of patients who are guests in the facilities that we will be at. In central Minnesota we have the privilege of having many different cultures in a small area. With many people immigrating here from their homeland it is important, as health care professionals, to have an understanding of the many different beliefs and traditions that we may come across in our personal and professional lives.

In today’s society, it is very important for the healthcare professional to be educated about the culture of their patients. It can be seen that the number of patients who are Muslim are increasing throughout the healthcare system. It is challenging for healthcare workers to care for the needs of Muslim patients when they don’t understand their cultural beliefs. Muslims don’t necessarily have the same health beliefs, outcomes, or priorities that their providers have, therefore making it more difficult to come to a final healthcare decision (Al-Oraibi, 2009.) “This intercultural gap in understanding between clients and providers may result in poor care services and low levels of satisfaction” (Al-Oraibi, 2009.) Muslims are

Arab are an ethnic group native to the Arab world. Arab American trace their ancestor roots to several Arab countries. Lebanon is the homeland of majority of Arab Americans, followed by Syria, Palestine, Iraq, Egypt, Yemen, and Jordan. The Arab world consists of 21 countries that span from North Africa to the Persian Gulf. Arab Americans are as diverse as their countries of origin, with unique immigration experiences that have shaped their ethnic identity in U.S. While the majority of Arab American descend from the first wave of mostly Christian immigrants, Arab American Muslim represent the fasted growing segment of the Arab American community.

cultures and their behavior styles; in order for the culture to accept any type of assistance medical, financial, and education and assist in breaking barriers for counseling with this culture. Arab is one of the well-known culture around the world with a strong connection with Islam. They believe in one God (Allah) and Muhammad is his prophet. In addition, they also believe in Jewish and Christian tradition. Furthermore Arabs are not all Muslim, not are all Muslims Arab. Fewer 20% of Muslims worldwide are Arabs (Hasnain, Shaikh, & Shanawani 2008). There are 22 countries that Arabs are currently living in United States that share common terms of religion, language, and culture; however they vary politically, socially, and economically,

Many people have seen the increase of immigrants coming to the United States. “Census 2000 measured a U.S. population of 281.4 million, including 1.2 million who reported and Arab ancestry” (de la Cruz and Brittingham, 2000). Arab Americans are those people who speak or are descendents of Arabic-speaking populations. As doctors and caregivers continue to provide care to those that speak English, communication between them is easy. But when this simple task is changed when there is a patient from a different culture, it produces challenges that both parties have to overcome. Doctors and caregivers have to increase their cultural awareness and sensitivity so that there is a good

Culture competence is a quality that any nurse should have. The article that I decided to research refers to the impact that language and different cultures have on a patient’s health. It is the duty of health care professionals to attempt to learn about different cultures and to be sensitive to the way patient’s feel about their beliefs. Once the nurse understands a patient’s

Sometimes a translator may be of the highest regard. Though needing a translator is possible, it is unlikely due to the fact that most Lebanese are fluent in two or three languages. “While Arabic is Lebanon’s official language, English and French are widely spoken” (“What languages are spoken in Lebanon?,” 2012). When communicating, it is important to have limited eye contact with the client. Staring or displaying frequent directness can be interpreted as rude (Muslim Culture, 2014). “Muslim Culture,” further informs: “calling them by their first name or their last name without the prefix of Mr., Mrs., or Miss is considered impolite among Muslims” (2014). To show respect for the patient’s privacy, a nurse should always knock before entering the patient’s room (Muslim Culture, 2014). Also keep in mind, shaking the head back and forth to say “No” means “Yes” in the Middle East (Muslim Culture, 2014). Though this fact is noteworthy, it is likely that a person from the Middle East living in or visiting the United States understands the American meaning of this action. Furthermore, people from the Middle East usually dress in a more reserved fashion than Americans; long dress, long sleeves, raised neckline, and head covering. If the hospital gown provided is not to their needs, they should be permitted to wear

“Health is influenced by culture and beliefs” (NRS-429V, 2011, p. 1). In order for the nurse to properly care for the patient, she must know and understand the patient’s culture. “Cultural care is a comprehensive model that includes the assessment of a client’s cultural needs, beliefs, and health care practices” (NRS-429V, 2011, p. 1). It is not enough to just know where the patient lives or where he came from. The nurse must embrace the concept of cultural competence and cultural awareness. This requires not only the awareness of the cultural beliefs and values of their patients, but also

With the large increase multicultural population in the United States, nurses encounter patients with differences in healthcare beliefs, values and customs. To provide adequate nursing care, nurses must be aware of these differences. They must respect and acknowledge the patient’s culture. To do this, nurses need education on cultural competence to ensure patient satisfaction and better patient outcomes.

First of all, it is impossible to talk about groups of people without generalizing. At this point it must be emphasized that there is not just “one” Arab culture or society. The Arab world is full of rich and diverse communities, groups and cultures. Each of the Arab countries has different perspectives. That’s why differences exist not only among coun- tries, but within countries as well. With 22 countries formed, the Arab region has in some parts the same religious, politics and

“An Arab is defined as an individual who was born in an Arab country, speaks the Arabic language, and shares the beliefs of an Arab culture” (Kridli 2002). Many Arabs are very religious and typically practice either Muslim or Christianity. There are 22 countries that make up the ‘Arab world’ they are located in the Middle East and Northern Africa. Did you know that there are about two hundred thousand Arab Americans living in Erie, PA? There has been a great influx in the past decade of Arab Americans coming to and living in Erie County, PA. Since the area is becoming more diverse, it is necessary for nurses to better their communication to enhance the patients’ experience. As a nurse, it is important

Nowadays, nurses not only need to know how to care of their patients, but they also must be able to care of patients from other cultures with many beliefs and values. Cultural views of individual influence the patient’s perception and decision of health and health care (Creasia & Parker, 2007). In order to care for people across different languages and cultures, nurses need to develop cultural sensitivity, knowledge, and skills.

Health in all cultures is an important aspect of life. A person’s cultural background, religion and/or beliefs, greatly influences a person’s health and their response to medical care (Spector, 2004). These diverse cultures guide decisions made in daily life; what food eaten, living arrangements made, medications taken and medical advice listened to. A nurse must be knowledgeable and respectful of these diverse cultures and understand their importance when providing care. This understanding helps to build a strong nurse/patient relationship, increasing patient compliance, which ensures positive outcomes are met. Patients who are satisfied

Muslim culture is a subculture that is being practiced and followed by several patients we see coming and going to and from the hospital. The purpose of this paper is to examine Muslim culture and discuss how these members interact within today’s healthcare system. This paper will describe three aspects of the Muslim subculture, including: their primary religious beliefs, common interpersonal relationships, and their dietary/food habits. Common stereotypes among this subculture along with the health beliefs and practices of the Muslim community will also be discussed. The sub-acute rehab unit where the writer works will be discussed along with recommendation to enhance the care of Muslim patients.

Arab is not a race, but is a group of individuals that are united by their culture and history (ADC, 2014). There are many different variations commonly based on a particular individual’s country of origin such as Arab Americans. Other variations are based on their social class, the level of their education, if they live urbanely or rurally, or the time they have spent in the United States (Lipson & Dubble, 2007). Most Arabs also practice Islamic religion and are Muslim. When working with an Arab or Muslim client, nurses should ask what the client wishes to be referred to so as not to offend them in any way (Lipson & Dubble, 2007).