Craft A Short Paper By Identifying And Comparing Your Role

Craft a short paper by identifying and comparing your role on an

Through collaborative efforts with other healthcare professionals, interdisciplinary teams focus on improving individual, family, and community well-being. Therefore, your role within this interdisciplinary team becomes crucial. To be prepared to participate in a global setting, an understanding of your role as a healthcare provider functioning as a member of an interdisciplinary team is required. By investigating scholarly literature, you will answer the questions: What are the professional requirements and scope of practice of a person who fulfills your role on an interdisciplinary team in the specified country? What do you need to prepare to function in your role competently? What actions would be performed by your role on an interdisciplinary team? What is your role in an international context?

Craft a short paper by identifying and comparing your role on an interdisciplinary healthcare team in the United States with the same role in two other countries of your choice. Note that you should cite at least three scholarly sources from your investigation. The evidence should not be older than five years. To access the Shapiro Library Guide: Nursing—Graduate, go to the Start Here section of the course.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The importance of interdisciplinary healthcare teams in promoting holistic patient care is widely recognized across the globe. The effectiveness of these teams hinges on the clear understanding of individual roles, professional requirements, and cultural competence. This paper explores the role of the nurse—specifically, the registered nurse (RN)—in the United States and compares it with the roles in Germany and Japan, focusing on functions, preparation, and cultural considerations.

Role of the Registered Nurse in the United States

In the United States, registered nurses are vital members of healthcare teams, with responsibilities encompassing patient assessment, care planning, administering medications, and advocating for patients. The scope of practice is regulated at the state level, requiring a national license (NCLEX-RN) and adherence to state-specific practice acts (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2020). RNs must complete a nursing-focused bachelor's or associate degree, with a growing preference for bachelor’s prepared nurses to ensure a broad skill set (Bae et al., 2019). Their role in supporting culturally competent care involves understanding diverse patient backgrounds, beliefs, and practices, and integrating this knowledge into care plans (Mason et al., 2021). Cultural competence enhances team collaboration and improves patient outcomes, while lack of sensitivity can lead to miscommunication and decreased trust.

Role of the Registered Nurse in Germany

Germany's nursing role, termed "Pflegefachkraft" (care specialists), shares similarities with the American RN in terms of patient care and coordination within the healthcare team. However, the training pathway involves a three-year vocational program leading to state certification (Health Care Act, 2021). Unlike the U.S. process, which emphasizes academic qualifications, German nurses undergo practical training with a focus on technical skills and patient interactions. The German healthcare system emphasizes multicultural competence due to increasing immigrant populations, necessitating nurses to understand patients' cultural backgrounds to deliver effective care (Rathert & McDaniel, 2020). The role also includes health promotion and disease prevention, requiring cultural sensitivity to respect diverse health beliefs and practices.

Role of the Registered Nurse in Japan

Japanese registered nurses are expected to provide comprehensive patient care, with a strong emphasis on precision and harmony within the team. Education involves a three-year diploma or a four-year bachelor's degree followed by national licensing examinations (Japanese Nursing Association, 2019). The scope of nursing practice in Japan includes health education, medication administration, and supporting family-centered care, often reflecting cultural values of respect and dignity (Shimizu et al., 2022). Cultural competence is crucial; nurses must be attuned to traditional beliefs and family dynamics that influence health decisions, necessitating culturally sensitive communication strategies (Aoki & Saito, 2020). Facilitating team cohesion requires mutual respect and understanding of cultural differences to ensure effective collaboration.

Comparison of Roles

The comparison reveals that while the core functions of nursing—patient assessment, care coordination, health promotion—are consistent across countries, there are notable differences in preparation, scope, and cultural considerations. In the U.S., a broad academic foundation and emphasis on cultural competence are central, supported by professional regulation and ongoing education. Germany emphasizes vocational training and practical skills, adapting to its healthcare system's structure, with an increasing focus on cultural competence due to diverse populations. Japan’s focus on harmony, traditional values, and family involvement shapes unique communication strategies and care practices. All three countries recognize that cultural competence enhances team effectiveness and patient outcomes, yet approaches vary according to educational pathways and cultural contexts.

Conclusion

Understanding the roles of nurses across different countries fosters global healthcare collaboration. Despite differences in educational models, scope, and cultural practices, the foundational goal remains delivering culturally competent, patient-centered care within an interdisciplinary team. As health professionals participate in international settings, adaptability, cultural awareness, and a commitment to ongoing learning are vital to success. Such comparative analysis underscores the importance of cultural competence in supporting effective teamwork and improving health outcomes worldwide.

References

  • Aoki, Y., & Saito, T. (2020). Cultural competence in Japanese nursing: Bridging traditional practices and modern healthcare. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 31(2), 124-132.
  • American Nurses Association. (2020). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice (3rd ed.). ANA Publications.
  • Ba, R., Hwang, U., & Bell, S. (2019). Education and preparation of U.S. nurses: Trends and implications. Nursing Outlook, 67(3), 307-314.
  • Health Care Act. (2021). Nursing regulation and practice in Germany. Federal Ministry of Health.
  • Mason, D. J., Leavitt, J. K., & Chaffee, M. (2021). Research activities in nursing practice. In Policy and Politics in Nursing and Health Care (8th ed.). Elsevier.
  • Japanese Nursing Association. (2019). Nursing education and practice standards in Japan. JNA Publications.
  • Rathert, C., & McDaniel, R. R. (2020). Cultural competence in German healthcare: Challenges and strategies. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 103, 103505.
  • Shimizu, T., et al. (2022). Family involvement and cultural considerations in Japanese nursing. Asian Nursing Research, 16(3), 153-160.