Ethnocentrism Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ethnocentrism - Article Example The only reason behind such a behavior was ethnocentrism. Of importance is the fact that ethnicity is not related to the biology of a person, therefore being alterable and flexible. This is not true for race, which is considered to be the innate qualities of a person, which therefore is unalterable and fixed. Therefore, we can infer that race is a profound reality based on biological origins while ethnicity is relatively superficial. Ethnocentrism therefore does not gives importance to the physical characteristics of a person as long as that person remains a member of that culture. Contrary to this, racism does not give importance to cultural attachment. Rather it favors those who are biologically similar. Racism therefore fails to accommodate those who have similar ideas and interests but are biologically different. The delivery of health care to growing populations of multiple ethnicities in modern day world is a challenge for modern day health care providers. Lapses in cross-cultural communication and mutual understanding which mainly stems from the ethnocentric behavior of health care professionals result in non-compliance of the patients (Thiederman, 1986). Differences in religions and practices may in turn become the cause of disliking a patient by the health care providers. Superstitious behaviors may lead a health care provider to think that patient has some mental abnormality, while the patient is merely practicing what he believes in. Such matters require careful consideration by the health care providers to avoid causing loss to patients. Similarly, patients may suffer from poor standard of care due to the fact that a particular health care provider dislikes a particular ethnicity. Vienna Declaraction states that â€Å"the universal nature† of all human rights and fundamental freedom is â€Å"beyond question† (Ayton-Shenker,

Dealing with Death and Dying Personal Statement - 1

Dealing with Death and Dying - Personal Statement Example I felt satisfied with the condition of the patient and the family before the incident occurred. This was because both the patient and the family had accepted the imminent death of Betty. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross (1969) in her book On Death and Dying has pointed that openly acknowledging the imminence of death and assisting the patient and family in addressing their issues of immediate concern would significantly improve the quality of the dying process. I had made efforts to ensure that rather than denying the situation the family could come together and support each other. I saw them expressing important emotional feelings for each other. I knew that this interaction was going a long way in helping Betty to resolve unresolved issues. I felt that she was being freed of emotional bondages so that the physical process could take its course peacefully. What was bad about the experience was the sight of a patient for whom I had worked hard in tears. I was reassured when I found that the reason for Betty's sadness was a dream rather than negligence on my part. I know that the emotional turmoil that goes on in a person who is dying is very intense. So I had taken every effort to address as many of these issues as possible and to be ready for all physical as well as emotional contingencies. When Betty shared with me about her dream I was a little unprepared. Especially as my personal belief is that dreams are a reflection of reality and was not inclined to accept that loved ones who have passed away could appear in dreams. However, as a nurse giving palliative care, I was aware that I needed to be sensitive to the beliefs of the patient.