Cultural Competence in Nursing: Romani Patients - Essay Example

"Cultural Competence in Nursing: Romani Patients" is an engrossing example of a paper on care.
The most useful information required for nursing and healthcare-related service to Romani patients includes knowledge of the historical origin, migration, and culture of this group of people, the healthcare needs, and the process of intervention to take care of these people in line with their cultural values. It is important to understand that the Romani groups of people who are known by their Gypsy culture originated from India and since then have migrated to several parts of Asia and then to East and West Europe over a period of one thousand years. The Romani group has migrated constantly over several geographical locations and has been subject to treatments of oppression and discrimination by the local inhabitants of the land. The culture and religion of these people have their roots in their ancestral origin in India. However, the gypsy culture has taken several forms depending on the religion they have converted themselves in the future. The family values suggest that the oldest man in the family is the head of the unit. Although men enjoyed dominance over the women in the respective Romani families, women also gained respect as they grew older with time. Women are considered gentle, homemakers, and caregivers of the family while men earn a livelihood for their families. The birth of a child in the Romani families is considered to be impure and is proposed to be planned outside the residence. Similarly, the occurrence of death is considered to affect the family of the deceased for a period of time. The healthcare plan should take notice of all these facts while nursing people belonging to gypsy culture base on which the plan of treatment and nursing should be undertaken. Intense care with sensitivity and empathy is required for the gypsies. Psychological support should be on the top of the list while treating Romani patients as there is a sense of deprivation among them. While treating the Romani people, one should refrain from activities that are not considered hygienic as per their culture. The lower parts of the body are not considered to be impure in comparison to the upper part of the body. Although the language of the gypsies varies with respect to their current residence, Sanskrit could be used as a medium of communication to the majority of the patients belonging to this culture.

Response 1

My classmate needs to be aware of the ethnic origin of the Gypsies and the history of their continuous migration over geographical boundaries in Asia and majorly in Europe. Over a period of thousands of years, they have faced discrimination from several ethnic groups. It is also important to know that the Romani people have a history of malnutrition and deficiency in child immunization. Gypsies believe in taking emergency medical services rather than preventive care. A good idea of the Romani culture with a good idea of the communication medium is very important for the practice of nursing duties.

Response 2

Awareness of Islamic culture and beliefs is also important while providing nursing care to Muslim patients. A study of the Islam culture and beliefs would suggest that the communication strategy for nursing Muslim patients would be different in comparison to other religions. Specific communication strategies that are effective in nursing practice for Islamic patients need to be adopted. Nursing and healthcare services that are congruent with Islamic values and beliefs would help in a better cure for Muslim patients