The Importance Of Cultural Safety In Nursing

I feel strongly that “cultural safety begins by acknowledging diversity and educating nurses to model change” (Kellett, & Fitton, 2016, p.4). With exposure, cultural shock may be experienced by a non-LGBTI aware student nurse, in the clinical environment (Carabez, Dariotis, Eliason et al., 2015). Contemporary Australia, however, is so diverse that a student choosing nursing has no option but to stare down prejudice and initiate equalitarianism. Even our national anthem “Advance Australia Fair” says “For those who’ve come across the seas, We’ve boundless plains to share. With courage let us all combine. To Advance Australia Fair” (Kelen, 2003. p.168). The anthem references we and us as, a politically correct multicultural identity of ‘Australianess”

What influences decisions to neglect personal health? A lack of knowledge, fear of safety, neglected childhood or lack of skills applied to parenting an LBGTI child? appropriation or not being able to see past self- actualization? Maslow’s “hierarchy of needs” pyramid, depicts significant insight to understanding patient’s and I use it as part of my repertoire of nursing skills (Crisp & Taylor,

An experience that imprinted on my mind recently, was employing empathic listening to a ninety-four-year-old woman, who confided her eighty-nine-year-old secret of being sexually abused by her father. To console, empathise and appropriately reiterate her feelings, whilst offering her coping mechanisms, as a student was a huge undertaking. But, through theory I was able to apply the “Power as Knowing Participation Change Tool”; although at that time, I didn’t recognise it (Barrett & Caroselli, 1998). In my patient’s confession, she wanted to be released of the burden, along with the nightmares and post traumatic seizures that she had, so she could pass freely into the next world. The realization of the potential, that I possess to influence; and the power that we pertain as nurses is beyond my previous connotation of what being a nurse would be (Barrett & Caroselli, 1998). It symbolically leads me to think of the Scales of Justice.

The NMBA expect that we, as nurses, will be reflective practitioners throughout our nursing careers. Whilst nursing during a shift, I intend to demonstrate daily, my accountability with a patient load. I generally take responsibility for my actions, so through provision of safe patient centred care, in a culturally competent way and with a