SECTION IV. TRANSCULTURAL FACTORS INFLUENCING NURSING CARE

• Practices.

  • Dietary practices vary among Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Jews.

    • The patient should be asked if/how he/she observes the Kosher dietary laws.

    • The head nurse or dietician should be notified so that the dietary practices can be considered when meals are prepared and served.

  • The Jewish person is expected by the culture to be independent and self-reliant; and emphasis is placed upon responsibilities and obligations to God.

  • All practicing Jews observe Saturday as the Sabbath.

  • The most important Jewish holidays are Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, and Passover.

  • The patient may wish to see the Rabbi (spiritual leader).

  • Circumcision of male infants is generally a religious ceremony and is sometimes performed at the hospital.

• Nursing implications.

  • Although it is usually not possible to serve Kosher meat in a nonsectarian hospital, the nurse can be sure not to serve meat and dairy foods together or pork to an Orthodox Jewish patient.

  • Allow the patient to be as independent as possible and make as many of his/her own decisions as possible.

  • Be especially observant for indications that a patient needs pain medications because he/she may not tell you if he/she needs them. These indications may be:

    • Restlessness.

    • Diaphoresis (perspiration, often perfuse).

    • A distressed facial expression.

    • Withdrawal.

  • You may have to help arrange for a place in the hospital to have a male child circumcised.

  • Arrange for a Rabbi to visit the patient on Saturdays or special holidays.

• Practices.

  • There are many denominations in the Protestant faith. Most denominations recognize two sacraments: Baptism and Communion.

  • A person may be baptized by a layperson, such as a nurse, in an emergency.

  • Christmas and Easter are the most important Christian holidays for Protestants, as for other Christians.
     

• Nursing implications.

  • Ask the patient if he/she would like a visit from a Minister or other member of the church.

  • In the event of an emergency in which an infant or adult may become critical and/or die, the nurse may baptize the patient, if asked, or may do it if he/she (the nurse) thinks it may be comforting to the patient and/or family.

  • Inquire about any specific dietary or religious practices and provide this information to the appropriate person.

The Roman Catholic Faith.

• Practices.

  • The Roman Catholic Church considers Baptism, Confession, Holy Communion, and the Sacrament of the Sick as basic sacraments of the Church.

  • During a long illness, a Catholic patient usually wants a priest to hear confession and to give communion. At such times, the nurse should provide as much privacy as possible.

  • Death is viewed from three aspects:

    • Visible reaction: emphasis on faith in God.

    • Fear of dying and of judgment: trying to get life in order.

    • Desire for death: emphasis on returning to God.
       

  • The last rites of the Church (Sacrament of the Sick)

    • A vital part of the Catholic faith.

    • Comforts both the patient and the family members.
       

  • Easter and Christmas are the most important holidays in the Roman Catholic faith.

  • Many Catholics abstain from or restrict their intake of meat during Lent, which is the 40-day period from Ash Wednesday to Easter. Some have maintained the custom of abstaining from meat on Fridays.
     

• Nursing implications.

  • In case of an emergency or impending death, a member of the nursing staff may perform a Baptism.

  • If a patient is brought into the hospital unconscious or in a serious condition and found to have a rosary, Catholic medal, or identification card indicating that the patient is Catholic, a priest should be called so the patient may have the Sacrament of the Sick.

  • If a patient wishes to abstain from meat because of a religious holiday, inform the dietician or head nurse so that arrangements can be made.

  • During important holidays, the patient may want to see a priest and/or attend Mass.

• Practices.

  • Christian Scientists do not permit surgery or many other forms of medical care.

  • They believe that all illness is mental in origin.

  • They believe that illness can be cured by appropriate mental processes.

  • Treatment consists of prayer and counsel for the sick person; healing is carried out by certified practitioners.

  • Healing is highly intellectual.

  • There is no formal clergy.
     

• Nursing implications.

  • Because surgery or other medical care is not permitted, often legal intervention must be obtained in order to give care in an emergency situation.

  • Because there is no formal clergy, arrangements may have to be made to have other church members visit the patient.

• Practices.

  • Mormons are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

    • They believe in the laying on of hands in treating deformities.

    • They do not use tobacco; drink stimulants (such as coffee, tea, or cola drinks) or alcoholic beverages; or consume chocolate.
       

• Nursing implications.

  • Inform the dietician or Head Nurse of the patient's dietary requirements.

  • Ask the patient if he/she has any particular religious practices he/she wishes to follow and adhere to them if possible.

Continue with Exercises

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