Culturally Competent Nursing Regarding Death Rituals Having the awareness of a patient’s cultural and religious preferences can be imperative to becoming a culturally competent nurse. Moreover, it becomes important to understand what a person may or may not want done in terms of specific death rituals. Two different religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, and their accompanying death rituals will be identified and explored with the goal of illuminating nursing implications that may be applicable in healthcare.
Hinduism
The term Hindu was used for dwellers of the Indus area. Regarding Hinduism there is not a particular institutional framework or certain doctrines with the religion, but it is more of an umbrella of practices (Firth, 2005). Hindus …show more content…
There are three main branches of Buddhism but they all respect the teaching of Buddha that is compiled in the Theravada Pali (McCormick, 2013). Buddhism recognizes monks who are scholars and teachers but they do not have priests (Bradb, Kenten, Deedat, & Morgan, 2013).The three branches of Buddhism are Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan (HealthCare Chaplaincy, 2013). All three branches are practiced in the United States creating diverse practices (McCormick, 2013).
The followers believe that the experience of enlightenment is obtainable by anyone who is willing to work, train, and practice for it (McCormick, 2013). They believe in the continual cycle of rebirths, called samsara, and the suffering that comes along with that. Like with Hinduism, Buddhist believe in Karma, which is described as the natural consequences for their actions (McCormick, 2013). The end goal is to become fully enlightened and reach nirvana, which is the freedom of the cycle of suffering and rebirth (Bauer-Wu, Barrett, & Yeager, …show more content…
Especially if they have specific rituals related to their religion. Hinduism and Buddhism were explored and while they have some similarities they do have many differences. It is important to clarify with your patient what they believe and want to be a part of their care. Assuming that every Hindu or Buddhist is the same is almost as detrimental as not being aware of their religion in the first place. One must have those conversations with every patient and find out what they would like. The patients need to be as involved in their care as possible. It is easy for people to forget that their patients are people and each person has a unique background with unique cultures and religions. By being aware of these differences, a nurse can make all of the differences. Especially with these two religions where so much emphasis is put on the end of their life. Hindus and Buddhist may not want to die in the hospital but nurses can make an impact on their last few days, hours or even minutes. What a wonderful chance to help someone participate in their rituals and beliefs and leave this world in a peaceful
Hinduism
The term Hindu was used for dwellers of the Indus area. Regarding Hinduism there is not a particular institutional framework or certain doctrines with the religion, but it is more of an umbrella of practices (Firth, 2005). Hindus …show more content…
There are three main branches of Buddhism but they all respect the teaching of Buddha that is compiled in the Theravada Pali (McCormick, 2013). Buddhism recognizes monks who are scholars and teachers but they do not have priests (Bradb, Kenten, Deedat, & Morgan, 2013).The three branches of Buddhism are Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan (HealthCare Chaplaincy, 2013). All three branches are practiced in the United States creating diverse practices (McCormick, 2013).
The followers believe that the experience of enlightenment is obtainable by anyone who is willing to work, train, and practice for it (McCormick, 2013). They believe in the continual cycle of rebirths, called samsara, and the suffering that comes along with that. Like with Hinduism, Buddhist believe in Karma, which is described as the natural consequences for their actions (McCormick, 2013). The end goal is to become fully enlightened and reach nirvana, which is the freedom of the cycle of suffering and rebirth (Bauer-Wu, Barrett, & Yeager, …show more content…
Especially if they have specific rituals related to their religion. Hinduism and Buddhism were explored and while they have some similarities they do have many differences. It is important to clarify with your patient what they believe and want to be a part of their care. Assuming that every Hindu or Buddhist is the same is almost as detrimental as not being aware of their religion in the first place. One must have those conversations with every patient and find out what they would like. The patients need to be as involved in their care as possible. It is easy for people to forget that their patients are people and each person has a unique background with unique cultures and religions. By being aware of these differences, a nurse can make all of the differences. Especially with these two religions where so much emphasis is put on the end of their life. Hindus and Buddhist may not want to die in the hospital but nurses can make an impact on their last few days, hours or even minutes. What a wonderful chance to help someone participate in their rituals and beliefs and leave this world in a peaceful