Categories: swansea
Tags: Uni
Date: 28 June 2006 13:26:23
I've just had a lecture this morning on transcultural nursing, and it really was quite interesting. The lecturer brought up some controversal issues, and encouraged open discussion with them. For example, one of the issues brought up towards the beginning of the lecture, was whether or not the NHS should be actively recruiting nurses from less developed countries abroad. Many of the group were arguing that they shouldn't, because these nurses are taking our jobs, which I suppose is fair enough. But the argument that I think is more important, is that by tempting these nurses from abroad, you are taking them away from the countries which are in desperate need of an improved health service. Why, when there are plenty of unemployed, adequate nurses in this country, are we recruiting from the developing world, where they need it the most? It just doesn't make sense!
Another very interesting discussion which came up later in the lecture, was based on the lecturers masters work, where she had looked at hospice care and attitudes towards people of ethnic minorities. She specifically told us about one hospice she visited where, dispite being situated in a largely multicultural city, had very few patients of other cultures and religions. She questioned the senior nurse as to why she thought this might be, and the response was that she thought within large asian families, they didn't require hospice support due to the family support network they tend to have. At this point, the lecturer (very bravely) said to this senior nurse, 'so you don't think it might be anything to do with the huge crucifix you have at the enterance?'. This led the class into a discussion about whether a Christian hospice should openly, and boldly, state their beliefs in such a way. Many of the class members, who although admitted to not being committed Christians, argued that they should be able to, because it is their right to, just as other religions can. The lecturer said that she thought, if there were any committed Christians in the class, they would probably actively support the placing of this emormous and striking crucifix. At this point, I put up my hand, and said that I was a committed Christian, but as a committed Christian, I believe that we should be caring for everyone and be inclusive, and by having that cruxifix at the enterance, it was obviously deterring people of other religions from this service, which is needed across all cultures and backgrounds. I think the lecturer agreed with me, as she went onto talk about other hospices that she was impressed with because of their ability to be inclusive and fullfill the needs of all religious backgrounds, during this obviously distressing time for any family.
I am interested in all readers opinions on any of the subjects brought up in this post, so please don't be afraid to leave a comment.