As a nurse when working with people from diverse cultures you must first recognize the differences

between various cultures.

As a nurse you assess your client’s health beliefs, practices and cultural needs. Show respect to clients
by upholding client’s cultural preferences.

One example is if you see that a client finds eye contact offensive as a nurse you would try to avoid that
cultural offensive behavior.

Another example is, if you are a nurse caring for a Muslim client you would make sure that any
treatments such as physical therapy scheduled for that day does not interfere with the client’s prayer
time. Without proper awareness and planning, the client can refuse necessary treatments, since
Muslims pray five times a day.

A third example of a way the nurse can provide culturally sensitive care is if you are a nurse caring for a
client who is a Jehovah's Witness and is scheduled for surgery and a blood transfusion is essential. Based
on religious values and mandates, they cannot receive a blood transfusion. The nurse would talk to the
client and say Let's discuss the necessity for a blood transfusion with your religious and spiritual leaders
and come to a reasonable solution."