Within our communities there is an increasing number of families whose beliefs forbid strange men from touching their women. A...

Within our communities there is an increasing number of families whose beliefs forbid strange men from touching their women. A small community hospital has male and female nurses on the labor and delivery unit. Because of illness, the unit is short staffed with two male nurses on shift and there are several patients with this cultural belief.

• Describe why the patient’s culture is so important to be aware of in the perinatal setting.
• Describe two strategies the RN can take to provide patient centered care and show respect for these patients and families?
• What if a member of the health care team does not support strategies planned to meet the cultural requests of the patient and family?