Nursing as a practice has continuously evolved in order to align with the variety of stimuli that influence the profession. These may include new medical treatments and technical systems and dynamic social norms and expectations. One recent trend that has significantly influenced nursing is the need for culturally competent care, a situation attributed to the increasingly dynamic and multicultural society. For this reason, nurses are required to provide culturally competent care in the high-stress and high-acuity environments they operate in (Dayer-Berenson, 2011). This would allow one to improve their skills as patient advocates as they can adequately comply with their patients’ or their families’ needs, design and implement nursing interventions that meet patients’ needs and establish a good rapport.
The best way to achieve the above and comply with the course’s objectives would be to have a first-hand interaction with cultural influence experience by visiting India. The choice of visiting India is motivated by the fact that the country has the second largest population in the world, with a diverse range of ethnicities, cultures, religions, and languages. One may assume these facts may have detrimental effects on healthcare. Although the country experiencing challenging elements in its healthcare system, it would be an interesting learning experience on how the country navigates the complex challenges and yet manages to provide care to the increasingly large and diverse patient population.
In addition, the country also has some unique places which are rich in interesting experiences tourists can engage in. for instance, tourists can engage in sightseeing, such as visiting the Taj Mahal, in the most notable icon in the country with its symmetrical gardens, explore the country’s wildlife parks. India is known for its diverse wildlife population and most importantly, the big five cats. These are the Asiatic Lion, the Bengal Tiger, Clouded leopard, Snow Leopard, and the Indian Leopards. Other activities one can engage in are visiting Indian temples. This is based on the fact that the country has a rich diversity of religions, and thus spirituality forms a central component of the Indian culture. In addition, for the more adventurous tourists, they can hike the Himalayan Mountains, and visit various sacred sites and view spectacular monasteries located on the mountain. The Indian culture is an amalgamation of other cultures, and whose history spans several millennia old. According to Stein and Arnold (2010), India is one of the oldest civilizations in the world and is also recognized as one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. Therefore, these would be interesting concepts for one to explore on a first-hand experience.
In order to achieve the course’s objectives, the trip to India would be organized in the line of encountering and understanding cross-cultural interactions. For this reason, the trip would feature a tour of two main cities with cultural relevance, Varanasi, and Agra. Varanasi is a colorful and indiscreet town in India, believed to be a spiritual haven, located along the banks of the Ganges River. While here, the students will visit what is believed to be the holiest Hindu river, River Ganges. The River receives thousands of Hindu faithful and other travelers as it is believed that taking a dip in the sacred water will offer salvation and purification of one’s soul. Students can access the river through the 84 Ghats (series of steps) and can take a boat ride. This event will allow individuals gain insight into the historical and cultural significance of the river.
While at Varanasi, the students can witness an Evening Aarti Ceremony, which is believed to be a lifetime experience. Here, crowds of people carry large brass lamps while chanting. Also, they burn incense sticks, filling the air with different types of aroma. By witnessing this event, students can be enlightened of the different cultural beliefs and activities different individuals ascribe to.
The last activity will involve students traveling by train to Agra city. Located approximately 600 kilometers from Varanasi, the train ride will be an experience in itself. This is because Indian trains are known for the bustle experienced during the travel. While in Agra, students can visit the iconic Taj Mahal. This UNESCO Heritage site will provide insight to students as they will be exposed to the different cultural aspects associated with the site.
Therefore, visiting India would provide a one-of-a-kind experience that will allow students to have a first-hand interaction with cross-cultural elements and how these aid in the development of cultural beliefs and influences that ultimately manifest in the healthcare process.
References
Dayer-Berenson, L. (2011). Cultural competencies for nurses: Impact on health and illness. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Stein, B., & Arnold, D. (2010). A history of India. Chichester, U.K: Wiley-Blackwell.
