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As a medical professional, taking care of Ukrainian refugees is a matter of grave importance. Nursing professionals must recognise the importance of empathising with the refugees as formulated by the competency standards for nurses (1.2). It means to create a safe, supportive, and healing environment that does not trigger any traumatic memories of the refugee. Consequently, it requires adopting a trauma-informed approach, ensuring that care practices do not inadvertently trigger distressing memories. "Trauma-informed care realises the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery; recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system"(McDonald,2020). Many Ukrainian refugees have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder due to being victims of war in their childhood (Burlaka et al, 2025). As a medical practising nurse, I would partake in trauma-informed care to avoid any re-traumatising event, evidently creating a growing environment.

References

-McDonald, M. (2020). Adverse childhood experience and substance use disorder: Exploring connections and trauma informed care. International Journal of Child Health and Human Development, 13(4), 383-387.

-Burlaka, V., Shyrokonis, Y., Burlaka, J., Syvodied, I., Serdiuk, O., & Javanbakht, A. (2025). Adverse childhood experiences and posttraumatic stress disorder among Ukrainian college students: mediating role of intimate partner violence and lifetime trauma experience. Current Psychology (New Brunswick, N.J.), 44(11), 10795–10806. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-025-07859-z

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WHO signifies the impact of social factors such as prejudice, discrimination, racism, and social inclusion as the key determinants of a person's health (WHO,2020). Ukrainian refugees often face discrimination due to communication barriers in an unknown country. Regarding the conditions of approval of a healthy lifestyle per WHO standards, Australia offers several incentives to Ukrainian refugees, including free English classes, Medicare, financial support, mental health support, and visa support. These promotives help in reducing stress, discrimination, and resettlement. However, as per the Australian Federation of Ukrainian organisations (AFUO), " Ukrainians are still facing high levels of stress and anxiety about their status as the end of their visa period approaches".Similarly, many refugees are unfamiliar with Australian health care services and often pay more for health services. Nurses advocate for supplying these refugees with culturally safe care, promoting participation in community health programs, and advocating for social inclusion.

references

-Australian federation of ukranian organisation;2024

-WHO,2020

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References

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (2022). Mental health care for people from refugee backgrounds. Refugee Health Network of Australia. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au

Beyond Blue. (2023). Mental health in refugee and asylum seeker populations. https://www.beyondblue.org.au

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ukranian refugees - Made with Clipchamp original

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Ukrainian culture places strong beliefs in the doctrine of herbal medicines. Many of those medicines have scientific explanations for their working. Modern medicine has inculcated many such beliefs for the development of drugs. Herbal remedies are widespread, with teas made from chamomile, linden flower, or mint used to relieve stress, promote sleep, and treat minor illnesses. Similarly, honey and garlic are used to treat cold and flu. Every culture has its own traditions, which are generally safe, but blind reliance on those methods in a case that requires critical treatment could be dangerous. In Australian nursing standards, nurses must be mindful of their culture and beliefs while treating the refugees and readily incorporate them into their treatment. For example, explaining the use of their traditional medicines and their impact on the body. Such collaborative practices remove social judgment and help the patient build trust in their practitioner.

References

Kundakova, O. (2021). Traditional medicine practices in Eastern Europe: Cultural continuity and modern adaptation. Journal of Ethnomedicine, 15(2), 45–56. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11407-021-09312-5