Interacting with Different Cultures in the Workplace

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I have worked at Mankato Clinic as a Clinical Assistant in the Diagnostic Imaging and Physical Therapy departments. Through this position, I have interacted with patients of cultures different than mine on a daily basis. It has made me become more aware of my own American culture including cultural norms such as celebrating holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas and being free to wear whatever I would like (Self-awareness Levels 1 and 2). I have been able to talk with patients to further understand their culture and how it impacts their daily practices and rituals. When it comes to healthcare, it is very interesting as there is an especially large Somali population here in Mankato. These patients often speak a language that is not English and require an interpreter. I find it fascinating how healthcare must be different for these patients. Having an interpreter allows the patients to understand what is happening but creates a barrier between them and the provider in terms of communication and creating a trusting relationship (Knowledge and Understanding Level 3). Although these individuals may have better communication by using an interpreter, the care they receive may differ and be of decreased quality. Some of these patients also have different healthcare desires than I am used to such as desiring a more holistic approach to healthcare or not understanding why they need certain imaging done. In my job, I schedule their imaging and then help with preparation for it, sometimes where the patient needs to change into a gown. Initially, it was very uncomfortable for me to prepare patients that have different clothing attire than myself as I did not know if they had certain limitations when it came to being able to take off their dresses or headwear. I have tried to educate myself in the past few months to better understand their culture which has helped my comfort level and made me more confident in my interactions with these patients, although it can still be difficult at times (Knowledge and Understanding Levels 1 and 2). Along with educating myself on cultural differences, I also ask the patients questions regarding their preferences to be as respectful as possible. These interactions have helped me to become more aware of other cultures when engaging with cultures different than my own. I have also had the opportunity to communicate with the interpreters, learning about the different cultures and the background of the interpreters as they are able to communicate well in English as well as the other language. I have been able to form a connection with a few of the interpreters that I see often (Relationships & Communication Levels 1-4). Being able to see the connection made between the interpreter and each of their patients is interesting as well. The patients have to trust the interpreter enough to have their personal information such as medical history and date of birth to help inform the providers that are helping them (Knowledge and Understanding Levels 3 and 4). With that being said, having these interactions have made me become more aware of how small differences such as race, gender or socioeconomic class can impact the healthcare an individual receives and how the healthcare team views them (Self Awareness Level 4, Knowledge and Understanding Level 4). As a nurse it will be of upmost importance to be as culturally competent as possible, while being respectful of individual differences. It is my goal to take what I have learned through this experience as well as clinicals in nursing school to best care for patients in the future.