Diversity in Nursing - Essay Example

Evidence: Diversity is one of the biggest problems that we face today in our society. We face diversity everywhere we go, whether it is at school, at work, at a place we like to be to relax, or at church where we mingle with races, backgrounds and cultures of varied kinds associated with diverse races including our own. Yet, the word ‘diversity’ with wide-ranging connotations associated with it, can not be taken in such easy light. Diversity is justified in being different in the society of one’s society, and its one thing that can, beyond doubt, influence people in how they live their daily lives. Our society today does not realize the need to stay harmoniously and support each other in every walk of life. In todays world it is essential that we all treat each other with love, respect, some decency, and most of all some dignity. (Lishman, 2001) This is a reflective account based on my experiences while I was on my clinical placement at learning disability combined team community outreach. The aim of this reflection is to demonstrate my ability of working and respecting diversity and then focusing on meeting the NMC, NOS and the evidence criteria. I chose this particular incident as I could emotionally relate myself to the support given to this patient shortly before he moved to the new residential home. Thus, I felt the need to reflect on it further. As a support and guidance for my reflection, I have chosen Gibbs (1988), as the model to help guide my reflective process. This model comprises of a process that helps the individual look at a situation and reflect over their thoughts and feelings at the time of the incident. Reflective skills help us to consider what could have been done, so that if a similar situation occurs again the experience gained can be used to deal with the situation professionally (Palmer et al 1997). In order to facilitate my reflection over this situation, the patient will be referred to as "Moses". This is for rendering protection and confidentially of her name maintained in line with the NMC (2008) Code of Professional Conduct. Description: Moses is a 58 year old single Man, non verbal, and lives in a respite care unit. Moses uses two staffs on a daily basis for transferring himself from wheelchair to chair, toilet and for other purposes. He requires supports for feeding and other works twenty four hours a day. His food has to be liquidized as he aspirates and is prompt to high risks of choking. He had previously experienced Atonic seizures, on medication, blocking the nearby unit. His case was referred to me as to find him suitable accommodation as he was blocking the bed side at the residential home. But before I could proceed I had to complete the NHS continuous assessment form to find out if he will be eligible to continue care under the NHS or the local council and also to determine the level of his need. The community Nurse manager and I then planned a visit to his place to undertake the assessment. According to Kenworthy, et al (2002), the nursing process is a framework used by the health care professionals. The framework is made up of four components. Assessment of the patient on residential unit was necessary, considering the patient’s individual needs so that his problems could be identified. Planning: At this stage the nurse and if necessary carers, relatives and the patient discuss achievable goals and how these can be met. Implementing: This is the direct care needed for the patient, what is to be done for the patient, when and by whom. This gives the patient a clear understanding of what is going to happen to them throughout their stay in hospital. Evaluating: This step of the process informs the carer and the patient whether the goals set have actually been achieved. Feeling: I felt extremely self-conscious while sitting with the assigned nurse. I wanted to know more of his health as I kept asking open and leading questions in relation to his needs. I checked with the nurse by asking Moses’ preferred way of communicating and I was told that verbal communication would be ideal as he responds to staff who talks to him using facial expressions such as smiling and crying when he is sad. In view of this, I asked Moses for his permission to see if was fine to share his information among our self and with other team members. I observed his body languages as he used gestures and facial expressions to notify agreement. I believed that if I did not put his feelings into consideration I will practise in a discriminatory way which could also be seen as oppressing. I reminded my self that I was accountable for my practice and if I was not aware of this I will be in breech of NMC code of ethics (Kenworthy, et al, 2002). In support of this, I respected him as an individual and valued him. I observed Moses moving his head back and forward, smiling, laughing at me. I clarified what this meant with the nurse and she told me that he is happy. Also, I checked with the nurse if it was agreeable to talk where we were sitting, so that we could protect his confidentiality (Palmer, et al, 1994)). I looked around to see if any other staff members were walking in and out of the office, as such movements could prove disruptive for they would walk in and out of the office slamming doors. In the beginning, I did feel a bit nervous as the manager was watching me carrying out the task. I found it difficult to know what to say and was really conscious of others listening to me and doubted the appropriateness of what I was doing or saying. Evaluation: The good that came out of the situation was that the assessment went well and his needs were recorded. I considered Moses’ psychological, social and spiritual needs and addressed the situation in his assessment. The information gathered will help us look for suitable long-time accommodation that will meet his needs (Kemp 1999). The care that was given protected Moses’ dignity and respected him as a human being, with his assigned nurse being involved as much as possible with his care (Roper, N. Logan, W. Tierney, A. 2001). Analysis: I chose this incident to reflect upon because I found it very rewarding to be part of the team that helped Moses. His needs, strengths and weakness were identified through assessment. I also observe how one of the support workers was trying to support him for drinking from the beaker cup. And the way he was actually engaging and drinking it from the beaker’s cup was touching. I respected the fact that his health was also deteriorating compare to the days he was last admitted. I did not make assumptions because of his disability, age, gender, and race. I saw him from a social model of disability of treating the conditions and not seeing the same as problems or condemning his deteriorating age (Palmer, et al, 1994). I recorded this information in the assessment plan. Later, I discussed with Moses the next course of action to be followed. Everything that could be done for Moses respectfully was noted down and completed in a very professional, yet an extremely caring manner. The NMC guides us to: "Promote and protect the interests and dignity of patients, clients, irrespective of gender, age, race, ability, sexuality, economic status, lifestyle, culture and religious or political beliefs" (NMC 2002:4).I feel that we had achieved this for Moses (Field & James 1993; Walsh & Ford 1989; as cited in Lugton, Kindlen 2000).I have realised this while reflecting that caring is a unique and uplifting experience (Lugton, Kindlen 2000). In conclusion: Looking back on the incident I feel that I justified and followed the criteria well. I respected Moses and practiced fair and discriminatory techniques. However, being involved in caring Moses did make me think like professionally. The experience gave me better awareness on how to approach and communicate with Moses and the assigned nurse in a professional way, and approach. Actions: Making use of Gibbss reflective cycle has helped me make more sense of demanding situations and put things into right perspective, recognising how I can put this learning experience to positive use in my future practice as a Nursing professional. If this situation were to arise again I would make sure that his advocate is present or I seek his permission to advocate on his behalf. Read More