“We train our scholars to value the patient’s cultural beliefs and preferences regarding treatment, diet, privacy, and end-of-life care.”
The IHNA’s various students’ population, reflects a range of ethnicities, languages, and cultural backgrounds. Students have the chance to gain important intercultural communication skills and teamwork in this multicultural learning environment, which are critical for providing patient-centered care in Australia’s diverse healthcare system. Students are urged to put the concepts of social sustainability into practice throughout clinical training by encouraging one another, appreciating differences, and fostering a supportive learning environment. Additionally, they learn to identify and consider the socioeconomic determinants of health such as cultural identity, education, and socioeconomic status that affect patients’ well-being when delivering comprehensive treatment.
IHNA’s curriculum always gives importance to cultural safety and competence and indigenous health. We train our scholars to value the patient’s cultural beliefs and preferences regarding treatment, diet, privacy, and end-of-life care. This helps to ensure that care is not only clinically effective but also culturally respectful and inclusive. We also promote social responsibility by emphasizing community involvement, equity and moral behaviour.
Overall, our commitment is to build nursing populations that give value to social sustainability and have the capacity to compete in the global healthcare system. And they build an environment where patients preference, dignity and wellbeing given importances.
1.In IHNA’s nursing education, what does social and cultural sustainability mean?
For IHNA, sustainability means, creating and inclusive environment for all the students who study with us. Providing a culturally safe environment where they feel valued, respected and supported.
2.How IHNA promote cultural awareness especially during clinical practice?
Before clinical visits, we train our students by giving real-life scenarios and simulation practices and train them on the importance of valuing diversity. We give them support and training on identifying the cultural and social needs of not only the patients but also coworkers and supervisors.
3. What the technique you use in IHNA to maintain good communication?
When communicating with students from different background especially students from Asian or middle east back ground we will not make assumptions about their beliefs instead we ask neutral questions such as how would you prefer to learn this particular topic ? instance during group discussions we encourage students not to make assumption that someone’s silence mean disinterest it maybe cultural respect so be give opportunity for students and always be encouraged to have recommended questions instead of asking do you understand we ask can you explain to me how you help perform this procedure ?
During one-on-one sessions with students, our educators try to understand the cultural background of students and to make them comfortable and encouraged to speak or to communicate their ideas.
4. Why it is important to understand Indigenous Australian’s health perspectives?
Because it lines up with Australia’s commitment to reconciliation and culturally safe healthcare. Understanding the First Nations people’s health needs and experiences is crucial because it provides a deeper insight into the unique needs. Providing culturally appropriate services can lead to trust-building between health providers and communities, ultimately improving the health outcome. IHNA trains our staff and students to recognise the importance of determinants of health, such as identity and spirituality, when caring for First Nations.
5. How will you incorporate the concepts of social and cultural sustainability into your nursing practice going forward?
We intend to keep promoting fair healthcare, honouring diversity, and engaging in cultural humility. In addition to educating others about the significance of sustainability in attaining holistic, inclusive healing, I will make sure that my nursing care is patient-cantered and culturally acceptable. We are encouraging the students to advocate for patients who face barriers such as language challenges or social isolation by connecting them to appropriate community programs and services. Encourage shared decision making and active listening. For example: use interpreters, when necessary, use education materials, include family or community members when required. Moreover, we train to build an inclusive behaviour for colleagues and students.