Company Introduction
- Described company – Baptist Hospital of Miami;
- Type of facility – hospital setting;
- Facility location – Miami, FL 33176-2197;
- Hospital Size – 720 beds (large metro)
- Hospital type – general medical and surgical;
- High-quality performance in three adult specialties.
Baptist Hospital of Miami is one of the most well-known and respected facilities in the US. According to “Baptist Hospital of Miami Rankings & Ratings” (2017), Baptist Hospital of Miami scored high ratings in seven procedures or conditions including aortic valve surgery, colon cancer surgery, heart failure, etc. The hospital has approximately 2300 doctors and 1500 nurses as active personnel. Thus, the hospital can provide high-quality treatment.
Florida Population Statistics
- Number of adults in Florida – 9.1%;
- Number of male adults – 7.6%;
- Number of female adults – 10.0%;
- Prevalent population race – White;
- Second most common population race – Black;
- Least prevalent race – Samoan.
These statistics demonstrate the population specifics in Florida (“Demographic Statistics,” 2017). As it becomes evident, the population of Florida (and, therefore, of Miami) is mostly of younger age. Adults of age 18-21 are composing the bulk of Florida’s population (77.2%). The most common population culture in Florida is that of White Americans. Second most common population culture is African Americans.
White Americans Health Practices
- Health practices differ (multiple influences);
- Difference depends on beliefs and religion;
- Highly diverse religious preferences;
- Both traditional and clinical practices;
- Clinical guidelines-related practices are preferred;
- Prevalent ability to pay for treatment.
White Americans are the basis of the US population. It is the most common race in the US. Most of the Whites have medium or above income rate. Therefore, they can afford expensive treatment. However, since the religions and beliefs vary so greatly within one race, it is sometimes impossible to provide the necessary treatment.
Black Americans Health Practices
- Health practices differ (fewer influences);
- Difference mostly depends on religion;
- One religion is mostly prevalent;
- Prevalent traditional treatment;
- Treatment is highly influenced by incomes;
- High levels of poverty.
African Americans statistically have lesser income rates and are often in poverty. Although expensive treatment is often unavailable, the hazardous environment of African American neighborhoods often leads to a need to treat less complicated conditions (trauma, intoxication, gunshot wound, etc.). Religious beliefs mostly do not interfere with the patient’s need to receive any treatment. The prevalent religion does not prohibit either traditional or clinical approach to treatment.
White Americans Beliefs
- Large number of various religions;
- One religion is prevalent;
- Religion is viewed as very important;
- High number of religious population;
- Significant number of unaffiliated population;
- Non-Christian beliefs include <1% of the population.
Various religions are common amongst White Americans. The most common belief is Christianity (“Religious Landscape Study,” 2017). Second most prevalent belief is Evangelical Protestantism. Although the population is mostly religious, there is a significant number of unaffiliated. 11% of the population does not believe in God.
Black Americans Beliefs
- Large number of various religions;
- One religion is prevalent;
- Religion is viewed as very important;
- Religious population is prevalent;
- Unaffiliated population is insignificant;
- Most common religion is Baptism.
African Americans are significantly more religious that the rest of the US population (“The Black Church,” 2017). Most population is affiliated with Baptism. 12% of the African American population is non-religious. Other religions that the African American population is affiliated with include Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism and many others.
Florida Population Beliefs
- Population is mostly non-religious;
- Significant number of unaffiliated population;
- Prevalent religions are Baptism and Catholicism;
- Other Christian religions are less prevalent;
- Least prevalent religions percentage is insignificant;
- Least prevalent religion is Islam.
As depicted in “Religion” (2017) section in Sperling’s Best Places, the population of Florida State is mostly unaffiliated. There are – as in the USA in general – a great number of other various religions. Nevertheless, those religions’ devotees often comprise <1% of the population.
Nurses’ Role in Providing Culturally Competent Care
- Providing care according to patient’s beliefs;
- Tolerance and acknowledgment of every religion;
- Providing traditional or clinical treatment;
- Beliefs determine treatment type;
- Unaffiliated population is equally important;
- Disaffiliation also determines treatment;
Thus, the nurse’s role is vital. There are a number of reasons behind this statement. Firstly, a nurse is responsible for determining the treatment. Secondly, nurses must spread the tolerance amongst their cooperatives to provide equal treatment and care to every patient. Finally, it is their responsibility to make sure that the patient receives the treatment they are comfortable with, and that the treatment does not conflict with their beliefs.
Required Knowledge
- Clinical treatment guidelines;
- Traditional treatment guidelines;
- Beliefs’ possible contradictions with treatment;
- Treatment’s contradiction with various cultures;
- Substitute treatment types;
- Different cultures’ characteristics.
Thus, a nurse must have knowledge about different cultures and religions. They must also know what different ethnicities views on different types of treatment are and how they might contradict the recommended treatment. In case if some treatment is unacceptable to the patient, a nurse must find substitute treatment that will not provide any contradiction.
Conclusions
- Population of the US is diverse;
- Cultural diversity is prevalent;
- Ethnical diversity is also significant;
- Religions, ethnical and racial diversity affect treatment;
- Nurses’ role is of great importance;
- There is a great responsibility;
It is a direct responsibility of every nurse to treat their patients according to their culture’s beliefs. A nurse must pay attention to the patient and what their views on certain treatment types are. If a nurse fails to note patient’s cultural peculiarities, severe consequences may follow. Thus, providing culturally competent care becomes a difficult but important task.
References
Baptist hospital of Miami rankings & ratings. (2017). Web.
Demographic statistics. (2017). Web.
Florida State religion. (2017). Web.
Religious landscape study. (2017). Web.
The Black Church. (2017). Web.