Module 1 Reflection Answer Sheet Part 11 Summarize

Module 1 Reflection Answer Sheetreflection Part 11 Summarize Your Int

Summarize your intersectional identity by creating a narrative statement that describes your social and personal identities. Summarize your positionality by discussing the areas of your identity that are considered marginalized in the social culture of the U.S. and those that are considered privileged. What are three areas of your life where you feel the impact of marginalization or privilege? How does your lens (based on your identity, positionality, and cultural values) shape your worldview and perspective in terms of how you define health and your orientation to the profession of nursing? Share a reflection on this exercise. Did anything surprise you? Why or why not?

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of personal and social identity through reflection exercises is a vital process for nursing students and professionals. This process fosters self-awareness, cultural competence, and an understanding of how one's background influences perceptions of health, illness, and patient care. Recognizing the intersections of identity, including race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, and cultural values, informs a nurse’s approach to care that is respectful, inclusive, and equitable. This essay elaborates on these aspects, reflecting on how identity shapes worldview and professional orientation, and the significance of self-awareness in nursing practice.

My intersectional identity comprises various social and personal dimensions. As a white, middle-aged woman, I identify as cis-gender, able-bodied, and possess a professional background as a nursing professor. My ancestral roots trace to settler colonial Europeans, primarily from Norway, Britain, and Ireland. I live on Anishinaabe lands in rural Northern Wisconsin, which deepens my understanding of indigenous histories and ongoing colonial impacts. Personally, I am an adult child of alcoholics, divorced, and a single mother to two children. I am also openly bisexual and polyamorous, deliberately choosing to remain single. Financial independence, educational achievement, and professional success define aspects of my personal and social identities, but I am also aware of the privileges accrued from my socioeconomic status, educational opportunities, and racial identity.

Regarding my positionality, I experience significant privilege, especially in the social context of the United States. My race, gender, and socioeconomic status afford me advantages in most social interactions and opportunities. However, I recognize areas of marginalization—namely my status as a woman and as someone who identifies outside heteronormative monogamy. These experiences shape my perceptions and interactions. My identity as a single mother brings financial and emotional challenges, impacting my personal life and stress levels. Conversely, my ability to 'pass' as heterosexual when necessary allows me to navigate social spaces with relative ease, although it remains a private aspect of my identity that I selectively disclose. Additionally, I benefit from generational wealth—assistance from my family to pursue education and property acquisition—that has facilitated my socioeconomic mobility. Such privileges contrast with systemic inequities many others face.

These dimensions of privilege and marginalization influence my life profoundly. As a single mother, I experience economic strain and societal judgment, illustrating how social factors impact personal well-being. My sexual identity, kept private, exemplifies the subtle ways personal aspects of identity are managed within social norms. The privileges I enjoy, such as societal respect and economic support, further shape my worldview by providing stability and opportunities that many lack. Recognizing these influences allows me to approach my profession with greater empathy, awareness, and a commitment to social justice.

My lens, shaped by my intersecting identities, profoundly influences my worldview, especially concerning health and nursing. Growing up within a predominantly Western, colonized framework, I initially viewed health through a biomedical lens emphasizing physiology and disease management. However, my cultural exposure and personal reflection have expanded my perspective toward an inclusive, holistic understanding of health—encompassing physical, psychological, spiritual, and social dimensions. I acknowledge that Western healthcare systems have roots in colonization and capitalism, often neglecting the interconnectedness of people and nature, as emphasized in Indigenous worldviews. This realization motivates me to decolonize my professional practice by promoting culturally competent, equity-driven care that respects diverse health beliefs and healing practices.

Understanding my privilege has also highlighted the importance of advocating for marginalized populations. My experiences have shown me that health disparities are often rooted in systemic inequalities, not individual failings. Thus, my orientation as a nurse involves actively listening to patients’ stories, privileging their voices, and acknowledging the social determinants impacting their health. By integrating humility, cultural humility, and a commitment to social justice, I aim to foster an environment where health equity is central, and mutual respect guides care delivery.

This reflective exercise has been deeply enlightening. It affirmed that self-awareness is an ongoing journey, essential for professional growth and cultural humility. What surprised me most was the extent to which my privilege has shaped my opportunities and perceptions without my conscious awareness. Recognizing these aspects allows me to approach nursing practice with intentionality, ensuring that I do not unconsciously perpetuate inequities. The process underscores the importance of continuous reflection and learning, both personally and professionally, to serve diverse populations effectively.

References

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