...Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity Members of the healthcare team come in contact with a diverse multi-cultural environment on a daily basis. Every individual is just that an individual with a different worldview and varying faith background. To some individual’s, religion plays a very important role in their daily lives, while to others it may not seem to play a very big role. Newsweek (2009) polls since 1992 show religion is fairly to very important in the lives of 85% of people (as cited in Ashcraft, Anthony, & Mancuso, 2010). Numbers this high show that religion plays a major role to many and with that healthcare providers need to be aware of their own beliefs, while maintaining a respectful and supportive environment for the patients they are caring for and their beliefs. Patients along with nurses often look to their faith when in times of stress and illness. This paper will discuss the Native American spirituality philosophy compared to the Christian philosophy. Native American Spirituality According to the United States census (2000) “4.3 million people (1.5% of the total United States population) self-identified as American Indian or Alaska Native (as cited in Hubbert, 2008). Native American healing practices may include traditional healers such as medicine men and women, herbalists, and shaman who work to return the individual to optimal health. Rituals of healing and purification ceremonies, sand painting, spiritual chants, dancing, therapeutic sings, along...
Words: 1292 - Pages: 6
...Faith Diversity The United States is a very faith diverse country. There are people from all different cultures, religions, and faiths. Nurses must become educated about these different religious beliefs in order to provide appropriate care for their patients. “Personal faith is a reflection of an individual’s transcendent values and philosophy of life.” (O’Brien, 2008, p. 62) Nurses’ care for the ill and deal with many end of life situations. It is imperative that they understand their patients faith or “philosophy of life” in order to provide the type of care that will support them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. First Interview- Buddhism The first person that I interviewed was a friend that is practicing Buddhism. “The Four Noble Truths comprise the essence of Buddha's teachings, though they leave much left unexplained. They are the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering, and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering. More simply put, suffering exists; it has a cause; it has an end; and it has a cause to bring about its end.” (Public Broadcasting Station [PBS], n.d., para. 3) They believe in Karma (belief of the law cause and effect). According to my friend, they are private in their religious practices and would rather not discuss their beliefs. Healing is found in the belief in Buddha. She is a vegetarian and does not believe that harm should be done to animals. Buddha is known...
Words: 994 - Pages: 4
...Healthcare providers need to address key components of any faith in an open and compassionate manner to promote comfort and healing in all individuals. Respect for how an individual believes, the way they choose to allow growth in their belief system and how an individual chooses to maintain their spirituality are important aspects of the holistic approach to health care delivery Until June 8, 2008 my exposure to any religion had been forced by my parents or used as a way to get out of difficult or unwanted circumstances. On June 8, 2008, I had the first true and lasting heart conversion in my life. The journey since this time has been up and down with many trials and unwanted circumstances and the knowing that the Lord is with me to walk me through. Faith and spirituality are different from religion in my mind and I believe that the Lord meant for them to be different. Religion, to me, is legalistic rituals with rules that tell you what you should and should not do to get to heaven without any power to carry them out. Faith and spirituality go hand in hand and enables individuals to seek the power to live a victorious life in Christ Jesus in this present life. Spirituality can be defined as the way to find meaning, hope, comfort and inner peace and is characterized by acts of compassion and selflessness (Ehrlich, 2011). It is through faith and trust that spirituality is developed and made to grow. Acceptance of faith...
Words: 2250 - Pages: 9
...Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: First Draft Michelle L. Murphy GCU: Spirituality in Healthcare March 16, 2014 Rev. Rick Hudock Abstract As heath care providers we need to keep mindful of the care we provide to several different religious traditions. It is up to the health care professional to respect and understand the ideals that affect our patients and their family members. In this paper we will compare the philosophies of three diverse faiths. The faiths chosen are Islam, Christian Science and Buddhism, and how they compare to Christianity. We will learn about basic beliefs, spiritual perspectives on healing, and the components of healing such as meditation, prayer and other rituals they follow. Furthermore, addressing the importance and perceptive of how to care for a patient with a different faith and cultural view. In the field of nursing we are in constant contact with patients of several different faiths. This requires an abundance of knowledge and acceptance towards multiple beliefs and religions. The philosophies of Christian Science, Buddhism and Islam compared to Christianity have significantly diverse beliefs surrounding health, illness, death and healing. From a spiritual perspective we will learn about each of these faiths. We will place focus on their beliefs on healing, meditation, rituals, prayer and their views on afterlife. We as healthcare providers need to know what is viewed with importance in their faith in order to treat the patient...
Words: 1541 - Pages: 7
...Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity Jenna Franz Grand Canyon University HLT-310V Andre Mooney November 7, 2013 Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity There are many different religious faiths throughout the world; with many different belief systems each has its own view of health care. Health care professionals, nurses, physicians and other providers should be aware of any religious beliefs that their patients may practice in order to provide competent medical care. Providing medical care should include cultural, religious and spiritual beliefs and values of the patient, in order to provide holistic care for the patient. The belief systems of Buddhism, Native Americans and Jehovah’s witnesses will be reviewed to determine similarities and differences and compared to Christian beliefs as well as the views and beliefs of the author of this paper, and provision of health care and care providers. Spiritual Perspective on Healing Even though the definitions and expressions vary most Americans consider religion and spirituality a large part of who they are. (Klilewer, 2004, p. 4) In Jehovah’s Witnesses and Native American and Christianity there is belief in God as the creator of Heaven, Earth, and the universe, where as with Buddhists this speculation is rejected. ("What do Buddhists Believe?," 2013, p. 3) Buddhists and Native Americans do not believe in prolonging life by artificial means, death should be peaceful. (Bhikshu, 2010, para. 4) For Native Americans...
Words: 1417 - Pages: 6
...Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: First Draft “Spirituality is the aspect of humanity that refers to the way individuals seek and express meaning and purpose and the way they experience their connectedness to the moment, to self, to others, to nature, and to the significant or sacred” (Pulchalski & Ferrell, 2009). INTRODUCTION It is important for the professional nurse to recognize the unique spiritual beliefs and individuality of each patient and family who enters the hospital setting. Nurses have a great opportunity to facilitate their patient’s complex spiritual and religious needs in the face of crisis. Fulfilling these needs has a highly influential impact on patient outcomes and can increase the patient’s ability cope with their human circumstances. The importance of the patient’s belief system should not be underestimated, and the beliefs of the nurse should never be imposed on a patient, especially during such a vulnerable time as this. If the nurse maintains a level of respect for the patient that transcends their own ideology, they can honor and promote the dignity of the patient. This paper reviews some of the basic Christian beliefs in comparison to three other religions with respect to illness, its meaning, cause, treatment and outcome for the hospitalized patient. In commitment to providing patients with relationship-centered care, this author closes the paper with a summary of her own personal beliefs related to spirituality and health care...
Words: 2184 - Pages: 9
...Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: First Draft Grand Canyon University: HLTH 310V Abstract As nurses it is important to understand that there is not just one faith, but there are numerous faiths. In order to provide quality of care to our patient, it is important we have insight and understanding to one’s belief. Three religions that are often encountered in health care are Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism with similarities and differences shared within the religions. This paper describes each religion with its spiritual perspectives on healing and its healing components. Also discussed is how the health care providers spiritual belief may differ from the patient beliefs. The comparison is also made with the religions and Christianity with its philosophy of faith and healing. Health Care Providers and Faith Diversity Today health care facilities are faced with patients of diverse backgrounds in religion and faith beliefs. Our job as health care providers is not only to provide promotional, preventative, curative and rehabilitation to our patient and families but to also provide them with emotional and spiritual healing as well. It is important to gain information about our patient and the religion they use to practice with, in order to help in their healing process. Three faiths that will be discussed are Islam, Buddism, and Hindusim. These three faiths will also be compared to Christianity. Islam is a religion in which they voluntary submission or...
Words: 1822 - Pages: 8
...Diversity 1 Running Head: FAITH DIVERSITY Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity Grand Canyon University: HLT-301V March 9, 2012 Diversity 2 Abstract In today’s world of cultural co-habitation, it is more important than ever for the healthcare provider to practice cultural competency. Culture competence is having the knowledge, abilities and skills to deliver care in keeping with the patient’s beliefs and practices (Purnell & Paulanka, 2008). The philosophy of healing, including the spiritual perspective and critical components of healing in the Shamanism, Hinduism, and Confucianism faiths differ vastly from the Christian philosophy. Since the majority of the population in the United States is Christian, an important tool in development of cultural sensitivity is a comparison of Christian healing beliefs with these others. Diversity 3 Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity The United States used to be called the “Melting Pot” because immigrants would acculturate and become “American”. This is no longer the case as more and more immigrants are holding on to their culture and beliefs. This often includes their philosophies on healing and spirituality. In order to compare other “faiths” with the Christian faith, a distinction needs to be drawn between religion and faith. The Free Online Dictionary defines religion as “a belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe” and faith as “a confident...
Words: 1397 - Pages: 6
...Faith Diversity We live in a multicultural society where we come in contact with various religions or denominations. To practice nursing competently, nurses need to be knowledgeable about various different faiths and be able to relate to patients of different cultures and faiths (Griffith, 2009). It is important for healthcare professionals and caregivers to understand faith diversity and their healthcare practices in order to provide them with holistically appropriate care (Griffith, 2009). The purpose of this paper is to discuss three types of faiths, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islamic, as compare and contrast with Christianity, what their perspectives and components are on healing, and healthcare implications when providing care. Perspectives and Components on Healing Buddhism Buddhism originated from Asia. This is a philosophy based on Buddha’s life, “The Enlightened One” (SDH, n. d.). Buddha taught us that suffering arises from our craving and attachment, that we can free ourselves from these attachments through meditation, a path of wisdom, and morality (SDH, n. d.). According to the Buddhist philosophy, they believe in healing inwardly, that the individuals are responsible for their own wellbeing and the nature of living determines their health (Unknown, 2012). Suffering is optional. Health is an important aspect of Buddhism and they believe that the body is a temple, is sacred and should be well care for and respected. The body should be kept pure and should not have...
Words: 1794 - Pages: 8
...Running Head: Faith Diversity Health Care Providers and Faith Diversity Jolly Allesh Grand Canyon University HLT-310V January 9, 2012 Abstract Health care providers care for patients from a number of different religious traditions and need to gain as much knowledge as they can, regarding such religions and their cultures to provide quality care. Three religions that are often encountered in health care are Baha’ism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. All of these religions share many similarities and, at the same time, have many differences. This paper answers the following questions about each religion: ‘What is the spiritual perspective on healing?’ ‘What are the critical components of healing, such as prayer, meditation, belief, etc?’ and ‘What is important to people of the particular faith when cared for by a health care provider whose spiritual beliefs differ from their own?’ It also compares these religions with Christianity and its philosophy of faith and healing. Health Care Providers and Faith Diversity The diversity in religions and faith beliefs is becoming more and more apparent in health care facilities today. As health care providers, our job is to show acceptance of a diversity of faith expressions. In order to do so, however, it is essential that we gain more information about different religions and how we can deal with such individuals in a hospital setting. Three faiths that will be discussed are Baha’ism, Buddhism and Sikhism. The Baha’i Faith can be encountered...
Words: 1612 - Pages: 7
...Running head: HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AND FAITH DIVERSITY: FIRST Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: First Draft DeLana Henderson Grand Canyon University Abstract Christianity is a religion which solely believes in one God, the creator of the universe and all within it. There are many different branches of Christianity whose beliefs may vary from one to another. Buddhism, Hinduism and Muslim all have varying philosophies depending on culture, varying teachings and practices. Although there are countless religions, each different from the other, they all have the same purpose. It helps give us purpose and meaning to our lives. There are many similarities as well as differences between all religions. Religions have some sort of icon or symbol that they worship, but cannot see. All religions teach non violence, and have sacred rituals of which they perform. They all worship a God or Gods and all believe they have a final destination. Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: First Draft Introduction Healing is often thought of as something that comes from modern medical science, but many religions are now focusing on varying religious or spiritual beliefs to assist the healing process. For healthcare providers, it is important to understand basic religions and their beliefs, as it will provide more insight into how patients perceive and process their illness or disease. Christianity There are many different religious beliefs and practices depending...
Words: 1544 - Pages: 7
...Running head: HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AND FAITH DIVERSITY Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity Tina D. Grand Canyon University: HLT-310V 6-28-2012 Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity In nursing, patients from many different backgrounds end up needing care. Nurses need to know their own faith, morals, and values when caring for these patients. When a nurse knows how they feel personally they will then need to learn about different backgrounds they may have to care for. Religious beliefs are a huge factor when patients are deciding what kind of care they want. Looking at different religions and how they perceive health and health care is very important in the learning process in how to take care of patients from different backgrounds or religions. In a comparison to Christianity: the Aboriginal faith community, Christian Science faith community, and Sikh faith community will be looked at. Aboriginal faith community includes people of Canada. They include more than fifty cultural language groups within Canada (Linda, 2009). In the Aboriginal faith community they believe health is holistic and is a balance of all aspects of life including physical, mental emotional, and spiritual. As Christians request anointing with oil during illness or when close to death Aboriginals do what is called smudging. Smudging is burning sweetgrass, sage, cedar and tobacco. Traditional healers or medicine men are the ones who perform smudging techniques...
Words: 1404 - Pages: 6
...Running head: HEALTH CARE PROVIDER AND FAITH DIVERSITY: FIRST Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: First Draft Carmen Jezierski Grand Canyon University Spirituality in Health Care HLT-310V Mrs. Rhonda Johnston October 16, 2011 Abstract The purpose of this paper was to identify three separate and completely different religious faiths, while comparing their views on healthcare with that of the Christian faith. The chosen faiths for this paper included Wicca, Muslim, and Atheism. This writer’s research has determined that although all three of these religions are completely different, they will all seek out a healthcare professional of another faith if an illness warrants. All faiths except for that of the Atheist faith will accept spiritual care in conjunction with physical care. Ultimately all faiths will take advice from a physician that may have a different set of beliefs than their own. In conclusion we as healthcare providers need to acknowledge our own faith, educate ourselves on other faiths and provide non biased care while setting aside our own personal beliefs. Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: First Draft Religion is defined as “a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects” (Religion, n.d.). The term religion describes many types of belief systems. We as nurses need to be aware of each individual patient’s beliefs and respect the differences. By providing unbiased care to our patients...
Words: 1838 - Pages: 8
...Running head: A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER AND FAITH DIVERSITY A Healthcare Provider and Faith Diversity: An In-Depth Look Christin Cockerum Grand Canyon University: HLT 310V 03/18/2012 A Healthcare Provider and Faith Diversity: An In-Depth Look Healing consists of many variables within individual beliefs and faiths. Whether it is non-traditional faiths or traditional beliefs each one is connected through meaning of a higher spiritual enlightenment. This could include a philosophy or religion base that healing is conducted through mind, body, and spirit that embrace prayers or other components to reach complete healing of an individual. Non-traditional beliefs such as Tibetan Buddhism, Native American and Hinduism can be connected in some aspects to the mainstream religions like Christianity while having differences to the approach of healing. It will be discussed that the non-traditional beliefs on the perspective of healing, the components of healing, the similarities and differences that these beliefs have with traditional Christianity religion. Buddhism Buddhism started out in India and spread throughout Asia. Buddhism can be described as a philosophy seeking religion and it focuses on these principles rather than beliefs. Christianity is the opposite as it is a religion seeking philosophy and focuses on beliefs. Choosing Tibetan Buddhism, there is a concept of well-being, that the mind, body and spirit are achieved in an effective and comprehensive strategy for...
Words: 1626 - Pages: 7
...Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: Final Draft Grand Canyon University Spirituality in Healthcare HLT310 Mathew Hampton August 1, 2013 Abstract The medical field brings many different people of many faiths in contact with health care providers. Spiritual care is a crucial aspect of patient care spiritually allows patients to continue to practice their religious beliefs in the hospital setting is important for the overall healing of the patient. This paper will give comparison on the Christianity Faith and Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam faiths and healing methods. Every health care provider needs to be aware and respect the many religious and or spiritual needs a patient may have in order to allow optimum healing. Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity: Final Draft Spirituality is essential to holistic practice as a health care professional (Faulkner, 2012, p. 77). Health care providers in all fields come in contact with multiple faiths and healing techniques. Multiple beliefs require medical personnel to have the basic knowledge of multiple faiths and religious beliefs. It is imperative for patients religious beliefs be respected and or allowed to practice during their hospital stay. Christianity is one of a few mainstream faiths. Other religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam are not as well known. This paper will discuss and compare Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam with Christianity’s healing approaches and beliefs as well as the author’s personal...
Words: 1886 - Pages: 8
