Overview: Let's Start With Taking Some Time To Reflect
Overviewlets Start With Taking Some Time To Reflect Upon Our Identiti
Let's start with taking some time to reflect upon our identities and our social positionality. These aspects of ourselves shape our perceptions (or the lens through which we see) including in our professional field of nursing to determine how we relate to health, healing, and disease. It is important to be self-aware regarding our worldviews and perceptions. This helps us understand what we bring to the interactions we have with patients and colleagues and is foundational to the work of addressing health equity. The "identity" exercise (linked below) provides a structure for considering aspects of our identity and our positionality.
Several reflection questions help us go deeper to consider how these shape our experiences and also our views on health and wellness. As you engage in these self-reflection exercises, know that it's ok to not know or to feel uncomfortable or awkward. Take some time and be honest with yourself. Every single one of us is on a journey of personal and professional growth and it's ok to be wherever we are on the path.
Assignment Objectives
- Clarify significant aspects of personal identity and relative positionality
- Reflect upon how our unique "lens" shapes our worldview and perspectives related to race and racism as well as health and wellness
Paper For Above instruction
Understanding personal identity and social positionality is fundamental for nursing professionals committed to equitable healthcare delivery. Such self-awareness fosters culturally competent care and mitigates biases that may influence patient interactions and treatment outcomes (Andrews & Boyle, 2016). This paper explores the importance of self-reflection in developing an awareness of the diverse influences shaping a nurse’s worldview, especially concerning race, racism, health, and wellness.
The Significance of Identity and Positionality in Nursing
Self-awareness regarding one’s identity encompasses recognizing aspects such as race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, and cultural background. These elements impact how individuals perceive health and illness, as well as their interactions with patients (Campinha-Bacote, 2011). For nurses, understanding their positionality—how their social position influences perspectives—can dismantle unconscious biases that hinder patient-centered care. For example, a nurse’s racial or cultural background may influence their assumptions about patient behaviors or health beliefs, which can affect clinical decision-making (Lie et al., 2011).
Understanding these biases is crucial in healthcare settings increasingly characterized by diverse populations. The process of self-exploration involves honest reflection on the privileges, stereotypes, and preconceived notions that might unconsciously influence professional interactions. This awareness directly correlates with improved health equity, as nurses become more attuned to cultural differences and social determinants affecting health outcomes (Benner et al., 2010).
The Role of Reflection in Developing Self-Awareness
Engaging in structured reflection questions prompts nurses to evaluate their perceptions regarding race, racism, and health disparities. Questions such as "How does my background influence my perspective on health inequities?" and "In what ways might my biases impact my interactions with patients?" foster critical self-assessment (Thompson et al., 2015). It’s natural to experience discomfort during this process; this discomfort signals an opportunity for growth and greater understanding. Honesty and openness improve cultural humility—a key skill for nurses working in diverse environments (Tervalon & Murray-Garcia, 1998).
Implications for Health and Wellness Perspectives
Recognizing one's lens through which health and wellness are viewed helps nurses to deliver holistic, respectful care. It involves appreciating different health beliefs and practices, and understanding how social and racial disparities influence access and quality of healthcare (Leininger, 2010). This reflection promotes empathy and supports advocacy efforts aimed at reducing health disparities rooted in systemic inequities.
Conclusion
Self-reflection on identity and positionality is not a one-time activity but an ongoing professional practice. It enhances cultural competence, reduces biases, and fosters equitable care. As nurses continue to develop awareness of their personal frameworks, they become better equipped to serve diverse populations, ultimately contributing to a more just healthcare system. Committing to this reflective journey is essential for personal growth and the advancement of health equity initiatives in nursing practice.
References
- Andrews, M. M., & Boyle, J. (2016). Transcultural concepts in nursing care. Elsevier Health Sciences.
- Benner, P., Tanner, C., & Chelsa, S. (2010). Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. Springer Publishing.
- Campinha-Bacote, J. (2011). Delivering Culturally Competent Care. Springer Publishing.
- Leininger, M. (2010). Culture care diversity and universality: A theory of nursing. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
- Lie, D. A., Lee-Rey, E., Gomez, A., Bednarz, A., & Branham, C. (2011). Does culturally competent care make a difference in health outcomes? A systematic review and an alternative pathway. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 26(3), 317-325.
- Tervalon, M., & Murray-García, J. (1998). Cultural humility versus cultural competence: A critical distinction in defining physician training outcomes in multicultural education. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 9(2), 117-125.
- Thompson, V. L., et al. (2015). Self-Reflection and Cultural Competence: The Voices of Nursing Students. Journal of Nursing Education, 54(2), 112-118.