Discussion

In this discussion, you will examine the importance of culture and personal beliefs on population health and explore your cultural sensitivity. Following the example of the timeline on page 6 of Chapter 1 of Cultural Sensibility in Healthcare: A Personal & Professional Guidebook , identify three situations in your timeline that led you to a career in healthcare.

Then, list five influences on your life that may inform your cultural sensitivity. How have you used cultural sensitivity to avoid a cultural clash in your personal or professional life? Why is it important for individuals working in health professions to be culturally sensitive? How can cultural insensitivity impact healthcare systems?

Timeline:

1997-Twin Siblings born and were in the NICU for 7 weeks.

2000-Mom suffered from Colon Cancer at the age of 35.

2006-Spanish interpreter/translator for migrant workers.

5 Influences:

1. Placed in situations to act as a median between a Spanish and English speaking world.

2. My younger brother identifies himself as a bisexual.

3. Living in a small rural town in South Carolina where there are no Hispanics.

4. Being a supervisor at a peach processing plant and working with older men under me who constantly would undermine my ability as a leader for 3 years.

5. As a nurse working with individuals and taking care of patients of different backgrounds and religious beliefs.