I have improved my understanding of competency standard 12.2 to recognise the presence and knowledge of the impact of systemic biases in institutional policies, resource allocation, and laws when caring for refugees.

Because I do not yet know what they expect from me as their nurse, I will now need to practice this by asking them open-ended questions and actively listening, speaking, using plain English, and explaining complex concepts and terminology to enhance migrants' understanding, plus involving interpreters where necessary (Crisp et al., 2021)

This skill is essential to me in the workplace because I will learn to know my client’s cultural background, including any cultural aspect or custom that might influence their healthcare decisions (Migrant, 2019).

Finally, I will adhere to high ethical standards and commit to the principles of competency standard 12.3, realised that safety is essential to providing high-quality, personal-centred care to refugees and migrants (Migrant, 2019). I believe doing this will contribute to an inclusive healthcare system where every patient's cultural background is respected while maintaining their dignity.

Alternatively, this could be explained by recognising the autonomy of people from migrant and refugee backgrounds over their care and respecting the influence of their culture on their healthcare decisions and choices. For instance, in my culture, we do not expose illness. 

Crisp, J., Douglas, C., Rebeiro, G., & Waters, D. (2021). Potter & Perry’s Fundamentals of Nursing (6th ed.). Elsevier Australia.
Migrant and Refugee Health Partnership. (2019). Migrant & Refugee Women's Health Partnership. https://culturaldiversityhealth.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Culturally-responsive-clinical-practice-Working-with-people-from-migrant-and-refugee-backgrounds-Jan2019.pdf

 

Another social determinant includes housing, basic amenities, and the environment. Migrants, refugees, and Indigenous Australians often face overcrowding, substandard living conditions, and homelessness upon arrival (WHO, 2019). These conditions can contribute to health issues such as gastrointestinal illness and depression due to their interplay. Leading to mental health disturbance and depression. 

The third social determinant is food insecurity, a complex issue of limited access to sufficient, safe, nutritious cultural food. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies, affecting physical and mental health. (WHO 2023)

World Health Organization. (2023). Social determinants of health. World Health Organisation. https://www.who.int/health-topics/social-determinants-of-health#tab=tab_1

Australian healthcare providers provide dietary supplementation to these refugees and nutrition education to promote healthy eating habits (Refugee Council of Australia, 2020). Another health concern is infectious diseases such as Tuberculosis (TB). 

Therefore, upon arrival, refugees are screened for TB. If diagnosed, they receive comprehensive treatment, often involving a combination of antibiotics for several months (Refugee Council of Australia, 2020). 
 Another common health concern is mental health and trauma challenges issues. Common cognitive problems include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Culturally sensitive mental health interventions such as counselling using Cognitive behaviour therapy and trauma-focused therapy are used to address them.

Refugee Council of Australia. (2018). Asylum seekers: Key facts and latest news - Refugee Council of Australia. Refugee Council of Australia. https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/asylum/