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1.1: demonstrating respect for cultural identity

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For myself, competency standard 1.1 (Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership, 2019) stood out to me the most, as it reflects the importance of being sensitive without making assumptions and stereotyping individuals based on their cultural background, religion, sexuality, etc. (e.g., with Ukrainian refugees, or simply with multicultural patients). I have strengthened my overall understanding of this framework by learning the appropriate ways to engage with other cultures and communities sensitively and respectfully without judgment. Having learned from Framework 1.1, I now feel more capable when communicating with multicultural people and understand that I must have knowledge first, so I can make sure I am being respectful. This skill will be very useful for me when I'm in the workforce, as I'll be talking to people from all over the world and different cultures and be able to communicate respectfully without making assumptions. By making sure I avoid making assumptions, I will be able to build trust with the patients and ensure they feel respected when receiving care.

Migrant and Refugee Women’s Health Partnership. (2019). Culturally Responsive Clinical Practice: Working with People from Migrant and Refugee Backgrounds COMPETENCY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK FOR CLINICIANS. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

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WHO Social Determinant (Inclusion & Non-discrimination)

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WHO Social Determinant (Inclusion & Non-discrimination)

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The World Health Organisation defines social inclusion and non-discrimination as one of the key social determinants of health, which helps structure the care of patients and their well-being (World Health Organisation, 2025). Ukrainian refugees arriving in Australia may refrain from receiving critical health care due to past social exclusion and discrimination. Mental health can have a major impact; discrimination worsens trauma-related conditions such as anxiety, depression and PTSD, which is very common due to displacement and recent wars. Making a welcoming environment can help reduce the stress and help with the healing from the trauma, e.g. Ukrainian refugees who are more inclined to join local community groups show better mental health and well-being overall. (Hillis et al., 2024). By following my professional practice, I can become more sensitive during situations like these, so I can ensure my practice helps with both health equality and the dignity of the patient in a safe and welcoming environment.

Hillis, S., Tucker, S., Baldonado, N., Taradaika, E., Bryn, L., Kharchenko, S., Machabelii, T., Taylor, R., Green, P., Goldman, P., Awah, I., Baldonado, J., Gomez, P., Flaxman, S., Ratmann, O., Lachman, J. M., Villaveces, A., Sherr, L., & Cluver, L. (2024). The effectiveness of Hope Groups, a mental health, parenting support, and violence prevention program for families affected by the war in Ukraine: Findings from a pre-post study. Journal of Migration and Health, 100, 100251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmh.2024.100251

World Health Organization. (2025). Social Determinants of Health. World Health Organisation. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

Administración CYD. (2023, June 8). Social inclusion and non-discrimination day. CyD Ingeniería. https://cydingenieria.com/social-inclusion-and-non-discrimination-day/?lang=en

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Common Health Issue (Australian Refugee Health Guide)

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Common Health Issue (Australian Refugee Health Guide)

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The Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide portrays that mental health challenges, such as PTSD is a very common among refugees from Ukraine and many other countries (Victorian Refugee Health Network, 2022). Due to the recent wars in Ukraine, displacement has increased the risk of PTSD, depression and anxiety among adults and children. These Ukrainian refugees will often have disrupted social support, due to exposure to the war, which makes them vulnerable to persistent mental health problems (World Health Organization, 2022). Once arriving in Australia, refugees are encouraged to get a health screening referral. This is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD in trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT), which helps individuals process traumatic memories they may have developed due to recent wars or displacement (Refugee Health Guide, 2022). Due to my professional training, once I become a nurse, I will be able to recognise signs of trauma and be able to provide appropriate care that is required for each individual, with sensitive communication to ensure a safe environment.

Refugee Health Guide. (n.d.). Australian refugee health practice guide: Primary care for people of refugee backgrounds. https://refugeehealthguide.org.au

World Health Organization. (2022). Refugee and migrant health [Fact sheet]. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/refugee-and-migrant-health

Mandavilli, A. (2022, March 26). Public health catastrophe looms in Ukraine, experts warn. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/26/health/ukraine-health-tb-hiv.html

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Traditional Ukrainian medicine may include the usage of organic herbal remedies, such as chamomile tea, honey, and garlic. These home remedies are used to treat a vast range of illnesses and help promote well-being without medical intervention (Ukraine World, 2022). Folk medicine is important in many cultures, which have been passed on by generations (Folk Medicine, n.d.). Ukrainian people will choose home remedies over professional treatment due to trust issues and social exclusion from war and displacement. When using chamomile, it is often brewed into tea. This is used to help reduce stress and anxiety-like symptoms (Bauer, 2018), reduce inflammation, and help support sleep and is also used outside Ukraine. Garlic and honey are also used to help treat minor respiratory problems, such as the common cold. As I go into my nursing career, being able to recognise and acknowledge these practices helps me respect the cultures and their ways of using traditional remedies. I am able to provide safe and culturally responsive care.

UkraineWorld. (2022). Ukrainian folk medicine: Healing practices and traditions. UkraineWorld. https://ukraineworld.org

Lewis, L. (2022, March 2). Ukraine: Pregnant women wait to give birth in Kyiv hospital basement as Russian forces surround city. Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10569401/Born-war-Pregnant-women-nervously-wait-birth-converted-Kyiv-hospital-basement.html

Folk Medicine. (n.d.). Folk medicine. Honchar Museum. https://honchar.org.ua/en/blog/folk-medicine-i178

Bauer, B. (2018). Herbal treatment for anxiety: Is it effective? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/expert-answers/herbal-treatment-for-anxiety/faq-20057945