Category: interprofesional communications

Meet James.
James is an RN who teaches both classroom and clinical courses in an associate degree nursing program. James is white and the program is offered in a primarily white community. There are 24 students in his Introduction to Nursing class. James’s class is made up of five African American students, two are male and three are female. There are two Asian women in the class and one Hispanic female. The rest of the course is Caucasian, all female except one male.
James, a male RN, wearing a surgical mask
James shares a personal story about how an older female patient once refused his assistance in today’s class because of his gender. This sparks an increasingly animated conversation. Some of the men and non-Caucasian women in the class describe different instances in their nursing experience thus far when they felt they were the victim of someone’s prejudices. Out of the corner of his eye, James notices a young, white female student in the back corner roll her eyes and mutter something to herself. He decides not to make an issue of it in class but later wonders if he missed an important teaching opportunity.
What known dominant and minority cultures exist in this classroom? What are some ways that members of the dominant cultures might exhibit cultural imposition during class? What opportunities exist for members of the dominant cultures to demonstrate cultural sensitivity? What other cultures might exist that are not obvious in the description?
Concerning the material in this chapter, what concerns do you think James might have about the student who rolled her eyes? About the students who shared their experiences with prejudice?
How could James have responded to the situation in a way that would have encouraged inclusion and helped the students develop cultural competence?
In what ways are you like James? How are you different?

Meet your client, Mrs. Munoz.
Mrs. Munoz has late-stage cancer. Her provider advised that beginning chemotherapy could extend her life expectancy, but she knows that the chemotherapy will have unpleasant side effects and will be very expensive. Mrs. Munoz wants to protect her family from a lingering illness’s emotional and financial hardships and cannot decide what to do. She is showing physical signs of anxiety and distress. You want to provide support for her decision, whatever it may be.
Mrs. Munoz: Late-stage cancer, not expected to live more than a few months, chemotherapy expands life expectancy 1-2 years, physical signs of anxiety and distress
Critical Thinking Questions
What knowledge do you need to help Mrs. Munoz?
Which skills would you need to learn or review before caring for this client?
Depending on Mrs. Munoz’s decision, discuss one ethical issue that might arise for you as the nurse or a family member later on?