Embracing Your Uniqueness for Positive Change in healthcare
As healthcare professionals and students, we often hear about the significance of self-reflection in nursing.
Lately, particularly in light of recent events, I’ve been delving into contemplating my ethnicity and cultural background on a deeper level.
This introspective journey has been closely intertwined with my evolution as a healthcare advocate and my understanding of cultural competence in healthcare.
Throughout my life, I’ve encountered numerous instances where I viewed my differences as drawbacks or imperfections. I was born in Puerto Rico, raised within a vibrant and diverse Latinx family. Growing up, I seamlessly learned both English and Spanish, and I was instilled with a sense of pride in my cultural diversity in healthcare and my heritage.
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In my younger years, none of this posed an issue. However, as I’ve matured, the harsh realities of the world have become increasingly apparent. From subtle remarks and microaggressions in healthcare to outright racism and threats, the world no longer appears as rosy as before. These experiences can compel one to contemplate altering their identity to fit into the mold of societal expectations.
Without my conscious realization, I began reshaping myself to fit into a mold that was never meant for me. This pattern changed dramatically when I entered the realm of healthcare, where my perspective underwent a profound transformation.
Residing in a southern state with limited diversity, I recognized the potential for impact as a Latinx healthcare professional. Over the past few years, I’ve collaborated with individuals whose primary language is Spanish. Many of these individuals had never received proper translations or culturally sensitive care prior to my involvement. Countless individuals had never encountered a healthcare provider who shared their appearance. This made me realize the importance of inclusive care in nursing and how diversity in healthcare practices can significantly improve patient outcomes.
The Role of Cultural Competence in Healthcare
It dawned on me that my purpose wasn’t to conform to an existing system; instead, I was meant to be unapologetically myself in order to effect change within that very system. This realization applies to all of us. Transformation begins with us, often through seemingly small actions that lead to profound differences.
Each one of us possesses unique strengths and qualities. In our present era, it’s crucial to leverage these traits to cultivate a more inclusive healthcare practice. The future landscape of healthcare rests in our hands. Are we actively contributing to a multicultural healthcare environment? Are we upholding the fundamental principles of compassion, fairness, justice, and respect? Or are we acquiescing to an outdated system that has historically excluded individuals for not conforming?
As healthcare practitioners and learners, we are advocates by nature. We must harness our individuality to ignite change in order to address healthcare inequities and healthcare disparities. Our ability to understand cultural competence in healthcare is vital for bridging these gaps and providing patient-centered care for all.
Overcoming Challenges in Nursing School
Nursing school presents its own unique challenges. As we prepare to become nurses and healthcare professionals, we often face obstacles related to time, workload, and emotional toll. However, diverse patient care and inclusive care in nursing are essential components of our training. We must embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth and advocacy, ensuring that we are ready to address the healthcare disparities and inequities that persist in the system.
It is through self-reflection in nursing that we can improve and adapt, ensuring that we are fully equipped to care for patients from all walks of life. Our ability to reflect on our personal and professional biases will enable us to better serve our communities and create a more inclusive healthcare environment.
The Importance of Self-Reflection in Nursing
As nurses and healthcare professionals, we have a responsibility to engage in self-reflection to improve the care we provide. This process involves considering our own identities, experiences, and biases, and understanding how they shape our interactions with patients. In doing so, we can work toward eliminating microaggressions in healthcare and ensuring that we provide equitable and inclusive care to everyone, regardless of background.
Healthcare advocacy also plays a crucial role in this process. By advocating for Latinx healthcare professionals and other underrepresented groups, we contribute to a more diverse workforce and a healthcare system that values diversity in nursing. Advocacy not only benefits individual patients but also addresses the systemic healthcare inequities that persist across the industry.
Ultimately, embracing our uniqueness and leveraging it to create a more inclusive healthcare environment is the path forward. As we navigate the challenges of nursing school and our careers, let’s stay committed to cultural competence in healthcare and be advocates for health equity. The future of healthcare depends on our collective efforts to ensure that every patient, regardless of their background, has access to the quality care they deserve.
Written by Betty Rodriguez
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