Question

Describe two issues the community health nurse has to consider while caring for various types of families?

Answer 1

1. Impact of cultural differences in health care approaches

2. Communication issues with various age groups

Impact of cultural differences in health care approaches

Cultural diversities can impact the health care perceptions and practices of various communities. Community health nurse concentrates on a holistic approach in health care and should thereby consider the cultural beliefs, socioeconomic factors, lifestyle and environment of different families while care planning. For example certain cultural beliefs forbids the followers from taking non vegetarian food items that may predispose them to Vitamin B12 deficiency. Followers of certain religions believes its non Godly to take medical advice or hospital based treatment for illness. A good knowledge regarding the cultural and religious beliefs and practices of the client family may enable the community health nurse to maintain a therapeutic relationship with the family members and to educate the population effectively. It will improve the continuity of care as well. A culturally competent health care system can definitely improve the health of the population irrespective of the diversities.

Language and Communication barriers

Language and communication barriers is another major issue that may be faced by the nurses in the community area. In countries like the US where a huge population comprises of immigrants who could barely communicate in English may need an interpreter during their health care visits that may lessen their availing of health care facilities and preventive measures & services. Language and communication barriers may also lead to patient dissatisfaction, ineffective comprehension, lower adherence and in turn lower the quality of care.  Availability of interpreters as well as nurses knowledge on other languages may help to face this challenge.

Another aspect of communication barrier is difficulty in communicating with different age groups. It requires a lot of effort as well as patience to communicate with children and elderly clients. Knowledge on age related changes and techniques of effective communication may help the nurse to overcome the communication barriers.