NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 5: Practicum and Social Justice

Student Name

Capella University 

NURS-FPX 6025 MSN Practicum

Prof. Name

Date:

NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 5: Practicum and Social Justice

Practicum and Social Justice: Reflection Paper

This reflective paper delves into my practicum experience as a nurse working with overweight autistic teenagers, shedding light on both accomplishments and challenges encountered in the pursuit of improving health outcomes for this unique population. The narrative underscores the importance of maintaining confidentiality, advocating for social justice, and delivering culturally competent care. This reflection not only captures the complexities of nursing within this context but also highlights the crucial role of nurses in advocating for equitable and compassionate healthcare.

Importance of Learning About Multicultural Care

A foundational aspect of my practicum experience involved learning about multicultural care and recognizing its paramount importance when working with overweight autistic teenagers. This approach emphasizes understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds, beliefs, values, and practices. By incorporating multicultural care, nurses can tailor interventions to be more effective and culturally sensitive, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes for overweight autistic teenagers.

Multicultural care also acknowledges that different cultures may have unique perspectives on health, wellness, and illness. Nurses who are knowledgeable about various cultural practices and beliefs related to weight management and autism can develop interventions that are culturally appropriate and respectful. This may include incorporating dietary preferences or traditional healing practices into care plans, leading to more effective and accepted interventions. (Gonzaga et al., 2020).

Moreover, understanding health disparities among different cultural groups is crucial. For instance, disparities in obesity rates and autism prevalence have been observed across different ethnic and cultural populations. Recognizing these disparities allows nurses to tailor interventions and support services to meet the specific needs of overweight autistic teenagers from diverse cultural backgrounds.(DuBay et al., 2022).

The literature also suggests that cultural competence in care delivery is associated with better patient satisfaction, increased treatment adherence, and improved health outcomes. As nurses actively seek to understand and respect the cultural identities of overweight autistic teenagers, trust, engagement, and collaboration are fostered. This, in turn, leads to more effective communication, increased patient involvement in decision-making, and ultimately better health outcomes.

Ethical Obligation of Nurses

Nurses bear an ethical obligation to provide culturally competent care for overweight autistic teenagers. (Gerchow et al., 2020) This involves understanding and respecting diverse cultural backgrounds and tailoring care to meet their unique needs. Throughout my practicum experience, I witnessed the significance of cultural competence in engaging with this population and their families, contributing to improved health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Cultural competence in care delivery entails delivering healthcare that is respectful and responsive to the distinct cultural needs of patients. For example, research has shown that cultural competence training for healthcare providers is associated with improved patient satisfaction, increased treatment adherence, and reduced healthcare disparities. Understanding the impact of cultural factors on healthcare outcomes is essential, as cultural beliefs and attitudes toward weight and body image can significantly influence treatment adherence and weight management among different cultural groups.

NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 5: Practicum and Social Justice

Nurses have an ethical responsibility to uphold principles such as justice, autonomy, and beneficence. (Haddad & Geiger, 2022) By promoting cultural competence, nurses ensure equitable access to healthcare services, respect individual autonomy and preferences, and maximize the potential benefits of care for overweight autistic teenagers from diverse cultural backgrounds. Nurses also play a crucial role in advocating for policy changes and organizational practices that promote cultural competence and address healthcare disparities among different cultural groups.

Professional nursing organizations, such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the Transcultural Nursing Society (TCNS), provide guidelines and resources to support nurses in delivering culturally competent care. These organizations emphasize the importance of cultural self-awareness, cultural knowledge, and cultural skills in nursing practice. Additionally, nurses must adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations to ensure the security and privacy of patients’ Protected Health Information (PHI). Maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding sensitive patient data is paramount in providing culturally competent care. By integrating the principles of cultural competence and HIPAA compliance, nurses can create a safe and inclusive environment that respects patients’ cultural values while protecting their privacy rights.

Reflection on Practicum Experience Including Accomplishments and Challenges

Throughout my practicum experience, focusing on overweight autistic teenagers, I encountered a spectrum of accomplishments and challenges in my efforts to improve their health outcomes. One notable accomplishment was the development of personalized care plans that addressed the specific needs and challenges of each individual. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, I contributed to holistic interventions that integrated medical, behavioral, and nutritional approaches. NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 5: Practicum and Social Justice. These personalized care plans aimed to promote weight management, enhance overall well-being, and support the unique characteristics of autistic teenagers.

Building strong rapport and trust with overweight autistic teenagers and their families was another significant accomplishment. Establishing a robust therapeutic relationship was essential in understanding their concerns, motivations, and barriers to achieving optimal health. Through active listening and empathy, I fostered open communication, allowing for a deeper understanding of their experiences and perspectives. This facilitated effective collaboration and shared decision-making.

NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 5: Practicum and Social Justice

However, challenges were an inherent part of the practicum experience. One significant challenge was addressing the limited availability of resources and support services tailored to overweight autistic teenagers. The lack of specialized programs and interventions made it difficult to provide comprehensive care. To overcome these challenges, I engaged in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the unique needs of overweight autistic teenagers and the importance of tailored interventions. Collaborating with stakeholders, I explored potential partnerships, secured funding, and developed innovative solutions to bridge the gaps in care.

Another challenge involved navigating cultural differences and ensuring fair and equitable care. Cultural norms and expectations vary among different cultural groups, necessitating continuous education and guidance from colleagues and mentors. To address these challenges, I actively engaged in ongoing education and training focused on cultural competence. Participation in workshops and seminars

References NURS FPX 6025 Assessment 5

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