Question 1
What might be some potential negative and positive behaviors occurring with the issue of the Muslim nurse’s wearing of the Hijab?
One of the negative behaviors that occur with the issue if Muslim nurse’s wearing of Hijab is frustration. The nurse became frustrated since the Infection Control staff kept on telling her to remove it despite it being a requirement for Muslim women. Another negative behavior that may come up is domination. The Infection Control Staff do not understand that the nurse cannot remove her Hijab. Hence, by using their power, they try to force her to do so. They use their power to dominate and intimidate the nurse. The nurse may react negatively. She sees the intolerance on the part of the staff. She may retaliate verbally. Those are just few of the negative behaviors that may occur. On the other hand, one of the positive behaviors that may occur is respect. The Infection Control Staff should accept the difference in culture between them and the nurse. They may also react positively and take the diversity in culture as the strength of the hospital. By it, they can show that the hospital is culturally diverse and every person, no matter the religious belief, is accepted.
Question 2
What specific strategies might be used to address cultural attire within the nursing unit and with other departments?
Education of the health professionals and other staff members is the answer (Rundle, Carballo, and Robinson, 1999). The nursing unit and other departments should be sensitized with relation to cultural diversity. They should know that cultural attire does not present any ethical or professional problem. Another strategy that can work is exchange program. One health professional or more can go to a health institution that is dominated by Muslims, for instance. Then, the concerned institution can also have one of theirs coming. The consequence of this will be cultural sensitivity and respect of cultural differences. When a person experiences cultural shock first hand, it will teach him or her to respect other people’s culture. Since attire goes hand in hand with cultural beliefs, the nurse or another professional from another department will fathom the significance of respecting the way of life of other people.
References
Rundle, A. K., Carvalho, M., & Robinson, M. (1999). Cultural competence in health care: A practice guide. San Francisco, Calif: Jossey-Bass.
