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As I completed this unit and NUR-136, I've discovered my own ignorance. Why had I previously never considered that  I will often need to provide care for people who speak very little or no english? Additionally, I have realised I must be mindful other cultural sensitivities when interacting with them or their families.
Fortunately, I've identified an important barrier I must overcome should i wish to fulfill the requirements of Domain 7; specifically objective 12.3: 'effective communication when providing culturally responsive care.'

Upon further research I discovered from the 2021 ABS Census data that 45,900 people in Western Australia had low proficiency or did not speak English at all. Furthermore, the WA Government has identified an increase in the number of people speaking a language other than English (LOTE) at home with a jump from 325,054 (14.5 per cent) in 2011 to 437,869 (17.7 per cent) in 2016 census. Exploring the Australian Refugee Health Guide, particularly the 'Communication and Interpreters' section, enlightened me. I am now aware of the free interpreter resources that should be utilised when delivering effective care to non english speaking patients. In engaging a professional interpreter I will ensure that I am meeting the requirements of Domain 7's objective. I've also grasped that effective communication isn't solely words; it encompasses tone, body language, and a holistic patient approach. I am committed to enhancing my professional communication skills through the avenues available to me as a nurse,  I have identified courses suitable for me to pursue as a nurse:

1. Diverse WA Course
2. Migrant and Refugee Health Training
3. Professional practice: Therapeutic Communication

Citations

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2022, June 28). Snapshot of Western Australia. ABS. https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/snapshot-wa-2021

Australian College of Nursing (2023). Professional practice: Therapeutic Communication. [Course] Communicationhttps://www.acn.edu.au/education/professional-practice

Australian Government Department of Health. (2018). Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide: Communication and interpreters. Communication and interpreters » Australian Refugee Hehttps://refugeehealthguide.org.au/communication-and-interpreters/alth (refugeehealthguide.org.au)

Cultural Industries. (2023). Diverse WA. Government of Western Australia. https://portal.omi.wa.gov.au/diversewa/

Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. (2020). Migrant and Refugee Health Training. Government of WA. https://www.omi.wa.gov.au/events-and-training/events-calendar/event/2023/09/26/community-calendar/migrant-and-refugee-health-training

Government of Western Australia. (2017). Cultural and Linguistic Diversity in Western Australia (WA) 2016 Census. Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. cultural-and-linguistic-diversity-https://www.omi.wa.gov.au/docs/librariesprovider2/statistics/cultural-and-linguistic-diversity-in-western-australia-(wa)-2016-census.pdf?sfvrsn=91788551_2#:~:text=The%20majority%20of%20LOTE%20speakers%20%2886%20per%20cent%29,at%20all%2C%20the%20same%20proportions%20as%20in%202011.in-western-australia-(wa)-2016-census.pdf (omi.wa.gov.au)

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As an Australian I love how we've adapted the English language and really embraced our 'aussieness.'  I do recognise that for newcomers our colloquialisms can be a significant hurdle to adjust to, especially if you have only just learnt english.  Carl Barron's comedy skit is a good example of how differently we communicate, even from other english talking nations. The way we talk can be perplexing as well as unique but certainly never boring!

Some of my favorite 'aussie' sayings include:
"flat out like a lizard drinking" = " I am very busy"
"yeah, nahh" = "no" however "yeah, nahh, yeah" means "yes"
"ankle biter" = "child"
"hit the frog and toad" = "it is time to go"
"six of one, half a dozen of the other" = "damned if you do and damned if you don't"
"dead horse" = "tomato sauce"
"buckley's chance" = "no chance"
"wrap your laughing gear 'round that" = "eat this"
"he's a few kangaroos short in the top paddock" = "not very smart"

Citation:

Barron, C. (2022). Aussie Language. [Video]. YouTube. (1) Aussie Language #CarlBarron #aussielanguage -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyxmquB_IoQ&t=4s YouTube

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The three social determinants of health that I will be speaking about today in my video blog are:

1. Education (Language)
2. Social Inclusion and non-discrimination
3. Housing, basic amenities and the environment (Transport)

Citations

Taylor, J. & Lamaro, H. G. (2018). Influence of the social determinants of health on access to healthcare services among refugees in Australia. Australian Journal of Primary Health 24, 14-28. https://doi.org/10.1071/PY16147

WHO. (2023). Social Determinants of Health. Shttps://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1ocial determinants of health (who.int)

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When considering that migrants and refugees often come to Australia to escape terrible situations in their homelands such as war, torture or religious persecution, it is no surprise upon arrival their mental health is poor. Even migrants coming to Australia on their own terms can feel incredibly isolated and home sick after moving here, experiencing 'culture shock'. This reflection led me to consider the R U OK day initiative and the beneficial impact one can have by engaging in meaningful conversation with someone you suspect might be struggling with  mental health concerns.

I personally find R U OK Day, observed every September, incredibly powerful. Whilst it is technically only celebrated once a year, it is encouraged to have these conversations  anytime you think someone needs help. The R U OK initiative prompts us to reach out and genuinely ask others about their mental well-being. The essence lies in starting authentic conversations and truly listening. Even if someone doesn't open up immediately, expressing your support can have a huge impact. Following up, maybe with a check-in a week later, shows your genuine concern and gives them a chance to share their mental health challenges. I believe it's a wonderful initiative that has positively impacted many lives as can be seen in the heartwarming stories shared on their website. For refugees or migrants who might be struggling with 'culture shock,' a check-in from their neighbour, coworker or friend could very much be the difference between them seeking help or suffering in silence.

Citation:

R U OK. (2023). R U OK? - I'm Here to Hear. R Uhttps://www.ruok.org.au/here-to-hear OK? encourages

R U OK. (2023). R U OK? - I'm Here to Hear. [Video].
https://youtu.https://youtu.be/KA3UnaRElyobe/KA3UnaRElyo

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R U OK? I'm Here to Hear (Theme Explainer)

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Image: Thepattern you need to guide a cow through on horseback, starting in the cow, running around two pegs and finally through the gate.

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The sport I enjoy doing in my down time is one that is uniquely Australian - it is called camp drafting. In the late 19th century, camp drafting emerged on the large cattle stations where fences were sparse. Cattle sorting was essential, be it branding calves, relocating weaners, or preparing cows for sale. Stockmen engaged in friendly competition, showcasing their camp horses' speed and prowess to round up cattle. During downtime, these competitions transformed into impromptu events, spiced up by friendly bets. Amidst the camaraderie and campfire tales, the formal sport of camp drafting took shape, evolving from these informal gatherings. Today, everyone from amateur enthusiasts to skilled stockmen, often entire families, participate at events, testing their riding and horse-handling abilities against both each other and the cattle.

Southern Campdrafting Association. 2023. What is campdrafting?. Southehttps://campdraft.org.au/campdrafting.php#:~:text=Campdrafting%20is%20a%20uniquely%20Australian%20horse%20sport%20which,parts%20of%20the%20run%2C%20or%20fats%20for%20sale.rn Campdraft Association Ltd

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Afghans hoping to flee Taliban-rule flooded the Kabul airport in Kabul back in 2021 when US forces withdrew from Afghanistan.

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I have chosen Afghanistan as my country of focus for two reasons. Number one it was the country with the largest number of refugees entering Australia in 2021- 2022 according to the Department of Home Affairs.  Secondly, I can personally recall my sadness watching this particular event unfold as shown in the image above. When the US forces withdrew from Afghanistan, after 20 years of occupancy, their withdrawal allowed the Taliban to take back control and implement Sharia Law.

The three common health concerns listed on the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide that are likely to affect people arriving from Afghanistan include mental health issues, low immunisation rates and anemia, iron deficiency, and other blood conditions.

Mental Health: The complexity of the mental health issue experienced will dictate the treatment course for the individual, considering a worst-case scenario would be a refugee who has experienced torture or traumatic events. In these extreme instances it is agreed the best action for treatment is through non-pharmacological approaches in addition to medication (Foundation House, 2023).

Anemia, iron deficiency, and other blood conditions: Widespread B12 deficiency has been identified in children (including infants) coming from Afghanistan (The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, 2021). Treatment for B12 deficiency involves education around foods high in B12 and also taking a supplement. Further tests to see helicobacter pylori infection is present with treatment for this type of infection with antibiotics (Foundation House, 2023).

Immunisation: Rates for immunisation are often very low for Afghan refugees and therefore a catch-up program should be put in place following the Australian Immunisation Handbook (Department of Health, 2023).

Citation

Foundation House. (2023). Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide:  anemia, iron deficiency, and other blood conditions: Foundation House. [Website]. Anaemia, Iron Deficiency, and Other Blood Conditions » Australian Refugee Health (refugeehealthguide.org.au)

Foundation House. (2023). Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide:  immunisation. Foundation House. [Website]. Immunisation » Australian Refugee Health (refugeehealthguide.org.au)

Foundation House. (2023). Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide Management of psychological effects of torture or other traumatic events. Foundation House. [Website] Mahttps://refugeehealthguide.org.au/psychological-effects-of-torture-trauma/nagement of psychological effects of torture or other traumatic events » Australian Refugee Health (refugeehealthguide.org.au)

Department of Health and Aged Care. (2023). Australian Immunisation Handbook: Catch-up vaccination. Australian Government. [Website]. Catch-up vaccination | The Australian Immunisation Handboohttps://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/catch-up-vaccinationk (health.gov.au)

Department of Home Affairs. (2023). Country profiles list. Australian Government. Chttps://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/research-and-statistics/statistics/country-profiles/profiles#:~:text=The%20top%20three%20source%20countries%20of%20humanitarian%20entrants,Australia%20are%3A%201%20Afghanistan%202%20Iraq%203%20Myanmarountry Profiles List (homeaffairs.gov.au)

Kohsar, W. (2021). Afghans hoping to flee Taliban-rule flooded the Kabul airport in Kabul. [Image]. NPR. Whhttps://www.npr.org/2023/08/30/1196906678/whats-happening-in-afghanistan-two-years-after-the-u-s-leftat's Happening In Afghanistan Two Years After The U.S. Left? : 1A : NPR

Refugee Council of Australia. (2019). Settling in Australia: the challenges. Refugee Council of Australia. Settlinhttps://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/settlement-challenges/3/g in Australia: The challenges (refugeecouncil.org.au)

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. (2023). Afghan refugees - key issues. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. [Website]. Immigrant https://www.rch.org.au/immigranthealth/clinical/Afghan_refugees_-_key_issues/Health Service : Afghan refugees - key issues (rch.org.au)

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our last family vacation we visited Red Dog's statue in Dampier WA 

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Red dog (Tally Ho) was a kelpie known throughout the Pilbara region in the late 1970's. He was known for hitchhiking along the roads in the North-west of Australia, usually being picked up by local folk who would courier him around the state.
The story goes he never really had one owner instead opting for a series of different owners throughout his life. Over time he became a friend and a mascot for the town of Dampier and the greater community. Two major movies have been made about his ventures and many stories and poetry have been constructed over the years about his adventures. A true aussie legend who represents something truly Australian!

Citation:

Historydraft. (2023). History of Red Dog. Histohttps://historydraft.com/story/red-dog-pilbara/timeline/625ry of Red Dog (Pilbara) - Timeline - Historydraft

Image Credit: C. Ormerod. (2023).

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The Ormerod's take bbq'ing very seriously :)

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One of the appeals of living in Australia is our enviable year-round good weather, making outdoor activities a huge part of our culture. The true blue BBQ brings people together from all walks of life and is a great example of how multicultural Australia is as a country!  Who hasn't enjoyed a Greek salad, German potato salad, grilled haloumi, lamb kebabs with Greek yogurt, bbq American ribs or Asian inspired whole fish when firing up the weber?  Just by looking at what's on the menu at a typical 'aussie' BBQ you can observe our rich multicultural history and diversity.
For more "homage to the humble aussie barbeque" check out the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia's" site Australian BBQs | National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (nfsa.gov.au)

Citation:

National Film and Sound Archive of Australia. (2023). Australian BBQs. [website]. Australian BBQs |https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/australian-bbqs National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (nfsa.gov.au)

Image Credit: C. Ormerod. (2022).

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Health has been defined as 'a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity' (WHO, 1946). To me it means so much more! Please watch my video blog to get a better understanding of my health definition, thank-you!

Citation:

World Health Organisation. (1946). Constitution. Consthttps://www.who.int/about/governance/constitutionitution of the World Health Organization (who.int)

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Australian music is as diverse as its people! I couldn't choose just one or two songs so please enjoy the playlist i have created of all my favourite aussie artists... Music is a huge part of my culture, many of my Australia days was spent listening to the Triple J hottest 100 countdown 'back in the day'.