ONS Connect - June 2008 - (Page 16)

YOUTELLUS How Does Your Institution Meet the Needs of Various Cultural Groups? Survivor Network Educates African American Women ur Cancer Outreach Services have developed a network of African American breast cancer survivors who educate other African American women about breast cancer and breast health issues through two major programs. The first is Hats, Hemlines, and Health, which is held each March. The target audience is adult African American women, and more than 300 women attend each year. While modeling the latest spring fashions, survivors give their personal testimonies and encourage women to take charge of their health. They also address the many myths about breast cancer and the obstacles that keep African American women from getting mammograms. Another program is Pink Ribbon Sunday. This is a Sunday in October when churches are encouraged to place breast health information in the church bulletins, pink ribbons are distributed, and survivors give their testimonies. More than 11,000 educational brochures were distributed in churches in October 2007. O ated in the state or federal correctional system. This has a tremendous impact on their cancer care, including access to diagnosis and treatment. We have made efforts to provide continued effective care for these patients as they move through the system. For example, control of symptoms related to chemotherapy administration is difficult considering the challenges of transporting patients between the hospital and their outlying prison units. Processes have been developed to improve communication among the sites to reduce negative outcomes. Our patients are primarily African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic, but other races are represented. Our unit staff is also of varied race and culture. Although we still encounter culture “clashes,” we recognize our differences and work to improve our working relationships with each other as well as our patient approach to be respectful of our differences. Gail Kwarciany, RN, MSN, BC, CRNI, AOCNS® Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist Texas Department of Criminal Justice Hospital University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, TX Institution Addresses Patient and Staff Diversity e have an International Services Department to assist in meeting the cultural and communication needs of patients and staff. Language services are provided 24 hours a day, seven days Elmeria Teffeteller, RN, MSN, AOCN® Advanced Practice Nurse Thompson Cancer Survival Center Knoxville, TN Unique Cultural Group Has Special Needs work on an inpatient oncology unit in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice System Hospital Galveston. Our patients are all members of a unique cultural group: They are all incarcer- a week. We have a procedure for serving patients with limited English proficiency and those who are deaf. Upon admission, patients and families are assessed to identify needs related to spiritual and cultural diversity, such as a foreign language or sign language interpreter, special equipment, barriers to learning, and beliefs and practices. This leads to an ongoing, interdisciplinary planning process and education to meet those needs. The Nursing Division holds “diversity lunches,” which are arranged by the Nursing Education Council, so that nursing staff can learn about other cultures and participate in those traditions. The End-of-Life Care—Religious Differences Series provides similar education. Both programs are also held during the night shift so that all staff can attend. Policies and procedures respect the cultural values, ethics, and religious beliefs of all patient care staff while ensuring that patients receive comprehensive quality care. Every reasonable effort is made to grant such requests in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures to emphasize the rights of the nurse. In addition to providing information and education on the diversity of our patient population, our Learning Network promotes programs on workforce diversity. Laurie J. Dohnalek, RN, MBA, CNA Director of Oncology, Perinatal, and Dialysis Services Georgetown University Hospital Washington, DC I W 16 ONS CONNECT June 2008

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ONS Connect - June 2008 Contents Editor's Note Just In They Have a Dream A Year in the Life—Month Six Web Connect Capitol Connection Notice Nursing Now Caregiver Care Manage Skin Toxicities Associated With EGFR Inhibitors Blood Test for Ovarian Cancer May Be 99 Percent Accurate Calendar of Events Working For You Staying On Top

ONS Connect - June 2008

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