1

Cultural Safety: Module 3

Jaimie Tilo

PNSG 315

April 08, 2023

Lori Hildebrandt
2

PNSG 315 Professional Communication – Indigenous Self-Assessment – Cultural Safety - Learning about Diversity
(30%)

Cultural Safety is a key component of your ongoing development in therapeutic relationships and effective communication with
patients and their families. In this assignment you will be required to complete the UVIC Cultural Safety Module 3 – People’s
Experience of Colonization related to health care. Can be found at https://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/courses/csafety/mod3/.
Part A: Answer the questions under the activity “Using Power Constructively”.
1. Think of someone you know who advocates for people and their families in your health care setting. How does this

person use her/his personal and professional power to create helpful relationships and/or to challenge unhelpful

structures and practices in the health care setting?

During my CPE 2, one of the practical nurses on my unit really use her voice to advocate for her clients. Before my CPE 2

ends, my clients reported having chest pain when we ask her how she is doing before doing her morning care. Upon hearing

this, we reported it right away to the LPN and she quickly guided us on what we should do. She told us to raise her head of the

bed to decrease discomfort. Me and my partner did assessments on her and check her vital signs. The LPN came to the room to

talk to my client and asks her a few questions. Hearing her talk to my client really warms my heart because she made sure to

pause in between when she asks her questions. She made sure to give my client time to process the information being thrown

at her and not rushing her to answer the question right away is so beautiful to see. In relation to the module, Roger John

explained the importance of having a positive presence. “…but you always knew that she was there and so that she’s be there
3

to look after you” (Cultural Safety: Module 3). Indeed, her presence in the facility really makes a significant change and

impact not only to us, students, but to the staffs and the clients as well. Sometimes, the facility can get really busy because

there is a lot of going on and a lot of clients to look after. But the fact that she is there, that they have someone like her who

they can go to anytime to make sure everyone is okay and doing well can be a huge relief.

2. How do you use your personal and professional power to create healing relationships with people?

I use my personal and professional power to create healing relationships with people by taking the time to greet them, asking

them how they are doing, and how I can help them in any way. During CPE 2, I had the chance to sit down and talk to some of

the clients. It was really wonderful and it’s so healing hearing their stories and learning things about them. Especially because

it can get really busy in the facility and the staffs sometimes do not have that extra time to have a sit and talk with the clients.

In addition, I was also able to spend some time with a client before she passed away. Being there for her and just being present

has made such a significant impact on me and hopefully for her as well. When I was there with her, she told me and my

classmate that she was glad that we were there with her. During that time, she was having a hard time breathing and during

those moments I asked her to take a slow deep breathe. Roger John also stated in the module, “Meet, and just to be open to that

whole – just to accept that it’s a two-way relationship – the information and the power and the helping goes in two directions”

(Cultural Safety: Module 3). It is important to know how they want their care to be addressed, respecting their culture and

ideas on how they care for themselves, what their preferences are, and also asking myself on how I can help them, how I can

make it better, and what works and what doesn’t based on the information I have. Then working towards our goal.
4

3. How can you use your power to change organizational structures, policies, or practices that create negative health care

experiences for people?

In the module, using power constructively section it states, “We have the power to create open, non-judgemental, and respectful

relationships with people. We can be sensitive to the experience of individuals by taking time to come to know each of them and their

unique context and to understand the meaning they attribute to their experience” (Cultural Safety: Module 3). I can use my power to

change negative health care experiences for people by taking the time to sit down with them, to listen, and understand their stories on

where they are coming from and how I can make their experiences a better one for them than they had previously. I truly believe on

how much a word, or an action can make such a huge impact on someone’s life so by taking the time to sit down with them, to

empathize, listen, and understand their stories then we can have an idea on how to provide a better care for them and how they want

their care to be addressed. Joan Morris explained the importance of taking the time to sit down and talk to each person and explain to

them what you are doing and why are you giving it. Asking permission to each individual is an important aspect for them because if

you understand the value of it then they will trust you. Communication really goes a long way. Even a minute of being there with

them, sitting, listening, and explaining why you are doing this procedure can have a huge impact on them. Being there with them,

explaining each procedure, and letting them know that you are with them every step of the way can provide them a sense of safetiness

and can make them feel better.

Part B: Respond to the following scenario provided in Module 3 Activities “Cultural Safety: A Way Forward?” and answer the
questions below.
5

Your patient/client on a rehabilitation unit is an older male of Euro-Canadian ancestry. Each time you engage with your client, he
makes a disparaging remark about the male patient in the adjacent bed, whose ancestry is that of a racialized minority. Your client
complains about the number of visitors his roommate has at all hours of the day and evening and the fact that he and his family speak
another language when they visit together. Your client is quite outspoken about his concerns and speaks loudly, possibly within
hearing of his roommate. Some of his comments are offensive to you, and you are worried they will be offensive to the other client
and his family. Your colleagues have reported similar experiences. One colleague agrees with your client, that the number of visitors
is excessive and that the patient and his family should speak English.
4. What cultural safety issues are at play in this scenario? Which issues affect which people?

The client of racial minority might feel ashamed or embarrassed or might not feel safe to be with his family and friends

because he loudly complains to the nurses, and he might not also feel comfortable to be around the other client due to his

disparaging remarks. He might also not feel safe to speak his own language in front of his family and he might not be able to

fully enjoy the time with his family and friends due to this reason. On the other hand, the older male also has the right to have

his own quiet time to rest and recover. But because of the other client’s family visiting in the evening, he might not be able to

do so.

5. Has anything like this happened in your practice? OR How you approach your practice?

This has not yet happened to me during my practice. However, if this were to happen to me, I think the first thing I would do is

talk to my client about it. I would talk to him kindly and respectfully about his behavior being displayed towards the other

client and explain to him why his disparaging remarks can come offensive to the client. I will have a private conversation with

my client and educate him about the other client’s culture, and we must respect their cultural differences such as speaking

another language. I will educate him about how some client likes having their family around, that it is important to their
6

healing journey to have their family members be around them. In addition, I would also talk to my colleague about the

statement she made. I will educate her that as a nurse: it is important that we are open to different cultures, to learn to adapt to

different situations, and to be respectful of cultural differences when providing care for different individuals. I will let her

know that not everyone has the ability to speak English fluently, that other people is more comfortable talking in their own

language because they can express themselves more and they are more confident on speaking their own language. It is also

hard for them not being able to speak English fluently. I would also talk to the other client respectfully about how their visits

during evening might affect other clients as they may want to rest and have a quiet time but cannot do so. I think I would do

also ask and talk to my colleagues and staff to maybe move them or get them a bigger private room to accommodate their

visitors at any time of the day and freely speak their own language.
7

Aboriginal Self-Assessment - Cultural Safety – Learning about Diversity

Rubric
Not Yet Culturally Safe Evidence (how Advanced (areas that
(areas that you have met the go beyond basics)
need work) competencies)
Inclusivity
a) Identify, acknowledge and analyze one’s considered emotional
response to the many histories and contemporary environment of
First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and offer opinions
respectfully.

b) Acknowledge and analyze the limitations of one’s knowledge

and perspectives, and incorporate new ways of seeing, valuing, December 14,
and understanding the health and health practices of First 2022, I’ve learned
Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. strategies when
working with
c) Describe examples of ways to respectfully engage with, and different ethnic
contribute to First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities as a groups or culture.
8

prospective care provider. For example,

being sensitive
d) Demonstrate authentic, supportive and inclusive behavior in all and non-
exchanges with First Nations, Inuit and Métis individuals, health judgmental, not
care workers, and communities. making
assumptions that
e) Additional entries (as needed) everyone has the
same story, using
a variety of
approaches when
working within an
ethnic
community,
asking questions
about culture,
religion, &
rituals.

Post colonial understanding

a) Describe the connection between historical and current
9

government practices towards First Nations, Inuit and Métis

peoples.

b) Describe the resultant intergenerational health outcomes, and September 14,

determinants of health that impact First Nations, Inuit and Métis 2022 – on health
clients, families, and communities. promotion class, I
learned about the
c) Outline the concept of inequity of access to health care/health
3 different types
information for First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and the of determinants of
factors that contribute to it. health of
aboriginal people.
d) Identify ways of readdressing inequity of access to health
Proximal have
care/health information with First Nations, Inuit and Métis
direct influence
clients, families, and communities.
on health,
e) Articulate how the emotional, physical, social and spiritual physical, and
determinants of health and well being for First Nations, Inuit and social
environment.
Métis peoples impact their health.
Intermediate
f) Additional entries (as needed) includes the
community,
infrastructure,
resources, and
systems. Distal
determinants have
the most impact
on population it
includes history,
politics, social,
and economic
contexts.
10

On April 6, 2023
I watched a video
on how
intergenerational
trauma was
passed on to their
children. Children
experienced
feeling unloved,
or they can also
experience abuse
or being
mistreated by
their parents.
Some children
can carry those
mistreatment to
their adult life,
which can lead to
violence or
suicide.

On April 4, 2023,
I read an article
on how we can
11

address inequity
access of health
care for first
nations, Inuit, &
metis clients.
Providing better
support for health
care workers in
Indigenous
communities by
providing training
and mentorship
opportunities to
help nurses feel
more supported,
addressing
prejudice among
health care
workers,
collaborate more
across service
providers, and
make trauma-
informed care the
standard of care
(Glauser &
Tepper, 2016).
Respect
a) Understand that unique histories, cultures, languages, and social September 30,
circumstances are manifested in the diversity of First Nations, 2022 - In Module
12

Inuit and Métis peoples. 1, I learned how

Indian hospital
b) Understand that First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples will not have impacted the
access a health care system when they do not feel safe doing so First Nations,
and where encountering the health care system places them at Inuit, and Metis
risk for cultural harm. and how they
view the
c) Identify key principles in developing collaborative and ethical healthcare
relationships. system.
d) Describe types of Aboriginal healers/traditional medicine people
and health professionals working in local First Nations, Inuit
September 16,
and/or Métis communities.
2022 – on
e) Demonstrate how to appropriately enquire whether First Nations, variations in
Inuit or Métis clients are taking traditional herbs or medicines to health, I’ve
treat their ailment and how to integrate that knowledge into their learned about
smudging and
f) care. why they do it.
Smudging is used
g) Additional entries (as needed) in different ways
– prayer, healing,
and cleansing.

On April 4, 2023.
I read an article
about ways on
how to build
healthy
relationships with
13

First Nations and

public health.
There are four
key principles
needed to
successfully
engage and work
with First Nations
communities
meaningfully.
First principles is
respect, this
principle focuses
on the need for
non-Indigenous
people to
understand,
acknowledge, and
appreciate both
the history and
current context of
Indigenous
people. Trust is
important in order
to establish and
maintain a
mutually
beneficial
partnership. In
order for
partnership to be
14

completely
successful, self-
determination
must be
considered and
understood. The
final principle is
commitment to
sustain long-term
and effective
partnerships.
Indigenous Knowledge
a) Demonstrate ways to acknowledge and value Indigenous December 14,
knowledge with respect to the health and wellness of First 2022 – during
Nations, Inuit and Métis clients, families and communities. communication
class, I’ve learned
b) Recognize the diversity, as a care provider, of Indigenous health what Indigenous
knowledge and practices among First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis client want when
clients, families or communities. providing care for
them and their
c) Identify and describe the range of healing and wellness practices, loves such as
traditional and non-traditional, present in local First Nations, respect, trust, and
Inuit and Métis communities. spirituality.
Respect can be
d) Additional entries (as needed)
shown by being
sincere and
explaining things
in a way that they
understand, trust
needs to be gain
15

in order to build a
relationship with
the family and the
pt and lastly,
ensuring pt that
they can practice
their spirituality
and finding a
room for them
where they can
hold their
ceremonies.

On April 06, 2023

I watched a video
about Indigenous
plant healing.
They used
different kind of
plants as their
medicine for
healing. Sting
neetle provides
nutrients,
vitamins, and
rebuilder for red
blood cells. They
also collect
16

dandelions.
Devil’s club is
good for gout and
diabetes because
it helps to bring
down your sugar
level.

On December 14,
2022, we watched
the video about
the End-of-Life
Care with
Aboriginal
Families and how
health care
provider can
provide a better
care for
Aboriginal and
Indian people
while in the
hospital such as
respecting their
practices and
rituals when their
family member is
sick by allowing
them to pray in
their own way
17

and letting them

burn sweetgrass
or do smut for
their loved ones
during their last
moments.
Communication
a) Identify the centrality of communication in the provision of
culturally safe care, and engage in culturally safe communication
with First Nations, Inuit and Métis clients, families and
communities.

b) Demonstrate the ability to establish a positive therapeutic In 215

relationship with First Nations, Inuit and Métis clients and their Communication
class, December
families, characterized by understanding, trust, respect, honesty
14, 2022. I’ve
and empathy.
learned about the
c) Identify specific populations that will likely require the support different ways on
of trained interpreters; and demonstrate the ability to utilize these how to establish a
services when providing care to individuals, families and trusting positive
therapeutic
communities.
relationship with
d) Additional entries (as needed) First Nations,
Inuit, & Metis
clients and their
families such as
listening to the pt
and finding out
who they are and
their needs,
18

adapting to the
pt’s, family’s
community ways
of being, learning
about their past
history and how it
might affect their
behaviours and
attitudes,
understanding the
concept of
holism, and etc.
September 26,
2022 – on
professional
communication
class, I’ve learned
how different
cultural groups
may need access
and support of
interpreters to
better
communicate
their needs,
questions, and
symptoms
19

References

Introduction. Cultural Safety: Module Three | Peoples Experiences of Colonization in Relation to Health Care. (n.d.). Retrieved April

7, 2023, from https://web2.uvcs.uvic.ca/courses/csafety/mod3/

Relationship building with first nations and - public health sudbury ... (2017, September). Retrieved April 8, 2023, from

https://www.phsd.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/FirstNationsTeam_LiteratureReview_FINAL.pdf

Island Health. (2014, September 30). Indigenous Plant Healing - Island Health Magazine. YouTube. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RANcnIOtR1o.

Patient Safety by Healthcare Excellence Canada. (2019, September 18). Breaking down the barriers indigenous people face in

Canada’s health-care system. YouTube. Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYBVM3DjW7Y.

Glauser Joshua Tepper, W., & Tepper, J. (2016, January 7). 8 steps toward addressing indigenous health inequities. Healthy Debate.

Retrieved April 7, 2023, from https://healthydebate.ca/2016/01/topic/8-steps-toward-addressing-indigenous-health-inequities/

20

Upon completion of the module you will complete a self-assessment of your previous personal and professional experience, as well as
what you have learned from Module 3 and apply it to the rubric you completed during module 1 and 2. You will add to this
document; therefore you should have a culmination of all three semesters on this one document. A marking rubric is provided below.
Submit this document with your responses to the above 3 questions and the scenario by the due date as outlined by your instructor.

Marking Rubric

Module 3 Questions
Question #1 - Think of someone you know who advocates for people and their
families in your health care setting. How does this person use her/his personal and
professional power to create helpful relationships and/or to challenge unhelpful
structures and practices in the health care setting?

 Example links concept of personal OR professional power from Module 3 to

own experience (1)
 Response linked to healthcare (1)
 Rationale provided (1) /3

Question #2 - How do you use your personal and professional power to create healing
relationships with people?

 One example of personal power and one example of professional power

included (2)
 Rationale provided with each response (2)
 Evidence of readings from Module 3 in response (1) /5
Question #3 - How can you use your power to change organizational structures,
policies, or practices that create negative health care experiences for people?

 Example provided for organizational structure (1)

21

 Example provided for policies or practices (1)

 Rational provided for each response (2)
 Clear link to Module 3 in examples (1)
/5
Question #4 - What cultural safety issues are at play in this scenario? Which issues
affect which people?

 Both questions answered (2)

 Rationale Provide in response (2)
/4
Question #5 - Has anything like this happened in your practice? OR How would you
respond to this scenario your practice?

 Example provided for one of the questions (1)

 Rationale provided (2)
/3
Follows APA Formatting
/2
At least 2 References provided
/2
Indigenous Competencies - Self-Assessment
 4-5 entries provided on document
/2
 Dates provided with each entry
/1
 Clearly identifies how previous personal, professional experience or learned
materials apply to the competency
/3
Total/Summary
/30