ONS Connect - February 2008 - (Page 17) upClOSE&prOFESSiONal Nurses Practice Cultural Sensitivity When Working With Patients With Cancer [By Camille A. Servodidio, RN, MPH, CRNO, OCN®, CCRP, Contributing Editor] Lynne Rossier, RN Beth Gouge, RN C ultural sensitivity is imperative for oncology nurses but can present a challenge in daily practice. Lynne Rossier, RN, oncology staff RN for Cancer Care As sociates in Royal Oak, MI, recalls the first time she cared for a patient with a samesex partner. “During the patient’s first treatment, I focused on the pa tient and treated her partner as an observer instead of a par ticipant. When I carried that home in my mind, I knew that I had done both the patient and her partner a disservice,” says Lynne. “At the patient’s second treatment, I knew I needed to in clude her partner as I would any other spouse. I soon discov ered the couple’s love and support for one another as strong as any other couple I have ever met. We talked about how they had met and shared pictures of their children. Once I put my awkwardness aside, I was able to develop a great rapport with both of them.” Beth Gouge, RN, a clinical nurse in oncology at Memo rial Health System in Colorado Springs, CO, says she has experienced patients whose religious or cultural beliefs have impacted the openness of their medical care. For example, some of her patients have refused blood transfusions, physi cal and occupational therapy treatments, baths, and nutri tious meals. “I found these situations to be very challenging,” Beth says. “On one hand, I want to respect my patient’s beliefs, but as a nurse I feel compelled to encourage them to undergo the best treatment options to help them heal and feel their best.” How do Beth and Lynne deal with being pushed beyond their comfort zones while caring for their patients? Beth says, “I re member I am dealing with other peoples’ lives and don’t want to hurt them in any way. Cultural and religious beliefs are one more thing nurses must keep in consideration when caring for patients.” She encourages nurses to “respect patients’ beliefs and their rights, remember not to take things that are said personally, and listen to patients’ needs.” Lynne concurs. “It’s so important that as nurses we do not assign our own values to our patients.” ✱ Contributing Editor Camille A. Servodidio, RN, MPH, CRNO, OCN®, CCRP, is an RN coordinator/project director for the Connecticut Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program at the Hartford Hospital Cancer Clinical Research Office. February 2008 ONS CONNECT 17
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