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For me, the most relevant aspects of competency standard 1.2 is to recognise the effect of refugee-like experiences, including experiences of traumatic events, and implement trauma-informed care. I have improved my understanding of how significant it is to create a safe and peaceful environment for patients who have experienced trauma and how past trauma can change the way we communicate. This knowledge will be essential for my future nursing practice because it encourages me to provide a safe environment and has made me aware that past trauma can affect communication. In my future nursing practice, I will explain the treatment thoroughly, communicate effectively and continuously check if the patient is comfortable to ensure a safe, respectful environment is provided. Reflecting on the competency standard 1.2 has shown me that trauma-informed care is not an option, instead a crucial part of culturally responsive nursing that upholds dignity and trust for patients from a refugee background.

Migrant & Refugee Women's Health Partnership. (2019).

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Common health issues refugees experience

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Common health issues refugees experience

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Ukraine is a country located in Eastern Europe. Ukraine has been consumed in a non-stop conflict with Russia since 2022. Many Ukrainians have had to seek humanitarian support from Australia. Since 2022, Australia has permitted almost 15,000 visas for Ukrainian citizens. More than 34600 citizens have arrived in Australia, and they're urgently requiring asylum and support (Department of Home Affairs,2024). One common health concern identified in the Australian refugee health practice guide is mental health concerns, in particular, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is commonly caused by the violence and loss the Ukrainian citizens have experienced (Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide, 2023). A treatment option available to those affected is trauma-informed mental health care. This process ensures a safe environment, culturally sensitive counselling and ongoing mental health support. This approach allows recognition of the impact this trauma has, helps develop trust and encourages recovery in a culturally safe way, supporting the long-term health and overall well-being.

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (2023).

https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/

Department of Home Affairs. (2024).

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-support/ukraine-visa-support

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In Ukrainian culture, they recognise everything on earth to have its own spirit. They believe that these spirits are involved in human behaviours and impact their outlook. Ukrainian people believe in home remedies and curative practices before seeking medical advice, this belief has an influence on the way Ukrainian people care for themselves. Traditional medicine is often bought down through many generations, showing the importance of tradition. Kalyna is a berry that Ukrainians use to make teas. This is used for sicknesses such as colds, fevers, or overall energy production (Kozlowska et al.,2018). Many Ukrainian families use this home remedy to encourage healing and the belief of protection and strength for their spirits. These beliefs are important for the Ukrainian refugees to uphold and continue practising even when they move out of Ukraine, as they create a connection to their home. When nurses acknowledge these beliefs, this creates a culturally safe care, building trust and support for the Ukrainian refugees.

Kozlowska et al.(2018)

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29674964/

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WHO.(2023) Social Determinants of Health

https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide. (2023)

https://refugeehealthguide.org.au/