As being a student nurse, I’m reflecting on contemporary standard 1.3, which is integrating the knowledge about the migration and experiences of refugee in care (CEH,2018). Many of the refugees from Iraq have suffered the trauma and disruption of family support which should have been affected their health and their trust in the services. In my future practice, my aim is to use trauma informed care by referring the experiences and to avoid assumptions of health literacy by asking respectful questions and by learning the story of patient which ensures dignity and safety. let’s take for example, if a Iraqi patient cannot discuss about mental health. I would use a respectful language and give the information about the support they get while making sure that it is comfortable for them, this process of reflection gives the importance of mixing or experience with the humility to support Iraqi refugees in positive way.

The WHO says social inclusion and non-discrimination is important to health equity (WHO,2021). As for the refugees who are from Iraq in Australia, racism and language barriers etc, can limit the care they get and on their employment which increases the risk of bad mental and physical health. studies have been done which shows social stigmas can increase stress and depression especially for the Iraqi Muslim women who faces cultural stereotypes (Due at al., 2020). The community programmes make sure to improve their mental outcomes and to help them with health service. let's take an example, access to culturally available and appropriate services reduces the chance of language barrier and help Iraqi families to make the correct health decision and increasing non-discrimination in healthcare helps Iraqi refugees to receive respectful and good care.

The health issue which is the most common among newly arrived Iraqi refugees is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is linked to experiences of war and displacement (Refugee health network of Australia, 2022). The symptoms include nightmares or avoiding medical care. Without management, PTSD contributes to stress, impaired functioning and sleep disturbance. The Australian refugee health practise guide to early screening and references to trauma services (Refugee health network of Australia 2022). One of the options for treatment is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) which is adapted for cultural context and support if required. Nurses play a pivotal role in recognising the signs and to connect with Iraqi patients with services such as Victorian Foundation for survivors of torture (foundation House). PTSD does not only improve mental health but also supports for long term outcomes.

Many of the Iraqi people have belief which are influenced by Islamic tradition and medicine one common is the use of verbal remedies such as black seed (Nigella sativa). As it is believed to treat respiratory illnesses and to boost our immunity (Al-Akeel et al., 2020). Their religious texts say black seed is the cure for every disease except death which shapes its significance some herbs have antimicrobial properties, but the interaction must be considered let's take for an example oil of black seed controls blood sugar which delays the risk of insulin on patients with diabetes. In nursing, discussion these creates trust and opens the people for communication so that they can feel safe. Clinicians should use safe, and evidence should use safe and evidence-based treatments, by ensuring safe care for Iraqi patients.

Due, C., Riggs, D. W., & Augoustinos, M. (2020). Refugee children and families in Australia: Social inclusion and exclusion. Journal of Refugee Studies, 33(2), 482–500.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). Social determinants of health.

Refugee Health Network of Australia. (2022). Australian refugee health practice guide.

Al-Akeel, R., Al-Sheikh, Y., Mateen, A., Syed, R., & Janardhan, K. (2020). Evaluation of commonly used herbal medicines in Iraq: Clinical and safety considerations. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 249, 112–121.