One of the great things about our world is the wide variety of people who live and work together. One of the many aspects of your job as a State Trained Nursing Assistant is to be aware and knowledgeable of many cultures – each culture has different lifestyles, religions, customs, and behaviors – you will need to honor these as you work with your patients. It is important to respect each patient as an individual. Respond with respect and acceptance.
Cultural background affects how friendly people are to strangers and it can affect how closely they want you to stand to them as you speak to them. You cannot expect to be treated the same by all of your patients and you may have to adjust your behavior to suit their personal comfort level. While you will need to treat each patient with courtesy and respect, you should expect them to treat you respectfully, as well.
A patient may speak a different primary language and may require the use of an interpreter. You can also learn a few comments or phrases in your patient’s native language, or you may choose to communicate through the use hand gestures or flash cards.
Religion also plays an important role in patients’ lives, particularly if they are critically ill or dying. You must respect the patient’s religious beliefs and practices, even if they are different from your own. Never question the patient’s beliefs and do not discuss your beliefs with them.
Some patients’ backgrounds make them uncomfortable with being touched. While touch is a critical part of your job duties, be sensitive to your patient’s feelings if they become uncomfortable. Adjust care to your patient’s needs.