NUR410 Immigrant Interview Assignment by Emma Mays

Introduction

em427mail — 2025-02-06 11:00:13 UTC

Alissa is a 23 year old female, who was born in Guatemala. Alissa immigrated directly to Pennsylvania at the age of 11. Her family unit in Guatemala consisted of Alissa, her mother and father, and her mother's family. Her family now consists of Alissa and her mother and father. Alissa raised some concerns about her father, as he is older and has numerous health comorbidities.

Support Health

em427mail — 2025-02-06 11:15:14 UTC

I noted that Alissa seemed emotional during some parts of the interview After we concluded, I assessed if she was having any complicated feelings with the topics discussed. She explained that sometimes she feels as though she is not present enough in her own culture, as she is no longer living in that environment. She stated that discussing these concepts can cause to feel as though she is missing a part of herself. Because of this, I recommended support counseling or therapy to further discuss these feelings. In addition to this, I offered to direct her to reputable sources of information where she can further explore Guatemalan culture.

Cultural Affiliations

em427mail — 2025-02-06 11:35:57 UTC

Cultural Sanctions & Restrictions

em427mail — 2025-02-06 11:56:13 UTC

Developmental Considerations

em427mail — 2025-02-06 11:58:18 UTC

Health-Related Beliefs & Practices

em427mail — 2025-02-06 11:59:10 UTC

Religion & Spirituality

em427mail — 2025-02-06 12:00:23 UTC

Reflection

em427mail — 2025-02-06 12:01:05 UTC

This interview further illustrated similarities and differences among various cultures. This interview felt beneficial as it granted me further knowledge on how nurses can further support an individual's care by meeting cultural needs. One concept that was reinforced during this interview was how involving family in care can be beneficial for the patient. Alissa and I had conversations where we discussed previous hospitalizations of her father. She stated that having her family at the bedside to pray greatly support her father's psychosocial wellbeing. In the future, I will assess if patient's cultural needs are being met and provide them with the required resources. Having your cultural needs met can support other parts of the patient's care and help them to achieve health outside of the hospital.

Educational Background (Section of Choice)

em427mail — 2025-02-06 12:02:21 UTC

With what cultural group(s) does the client report affiliations? To what degree does the client identify with the cultural group?

em427mail — 2025-02-06 12:04:06 UTC

Alissa fully identifies as Hispanic and practices some aspects of her culture. She feels as though there is uncertainty around her culture due to being raised primarily in the United States.

Where was the client born?

em427mail — 2025-02-06 12:05:17 UTC

Alissa was born in rural part of San Marcos, Guatemala.

Where has the client lived and when? Current residence? Occupation?

em427mail — 2025-02-06 12:07:01 UTC

Guatemala, San Marcos (2002-2012) Pennsylvania (2012-Present)

Alissa Currently works two jobs. She Works as a waitress and as a receptionist at a spa.

What is the client’s highest educational level obtained?

em427mail — 2025-02-06 12:08:25 UTC

After moving to the United States, she would be enrolled in middle school. She would go on to obtain her high school degree and is now currently a senior in college.

What learning style is most comfortable/familiar? Does the client prefer to learn through written materials, oral explanation, or demonstration?

em427mail — 2025-02-06 12:11:48 UTC

Alissa most prefers to learn through demonstration and action. Alissa does speak both English and Spanish; however, she believes that she benefits most from a kinesthetic style of learning.

How is modesty expressed by men and women? Are there culturally defined expectations about male-female relationships, including the nurse-client relationship?

em427mail — 2025-02-06 23:10:38 UTC

Alissa recalls her mother trying to put her in modest clothing that covered her arms and legs. She explained how this was not always ideal as sometimes it was too hot outside. In Alissa's family, heterosexuality is deemed as acceptable, whereas homosexuality is not. When it comes to the nurse-client relationship, Alissa and her family would prefer if care could be provided by someone who is the same gender.

How does the client’s cultural group regard expression of emotion and feelings, spirituality, and religious beliefs? How are dying, death, and grieving expressed in a culturally appropriate manner?

em427mail — 2025-02-06 23:11:12 UTC

Alissa states that her family is mainly reserved in how they display their emotions or interact with individuals outside of relatives. Religion has a large prevalence within Alissa's family. Her and her relatives practice Catholicism, which plays a large role in their healthcare. Dying, death, and grieving are largely supported by their religion at this time. The family is heavily dependent on prayer and attending mass throughout this difficult time.

What is the cultural perception of aging (e.g., is youthfulness or the wisdom of old age more highly valued)?

em427mail — 2025-02-06 23:12:00 UTC

Aging from Alissa's perspective was viewed as a normal process of life. In her family, there was an increased focus the older family members on her mother's side. She feels as though wisdom in old age was overall more valued than youth.

How are elderly persons handled culturally (e.g., cared for in the home of adult children, placed in institutions for care)? What are culturally acceptable roles for the elderly?

em427mail — 2025-02-06 23:12:29 UTC

In Alissa's family, her elders were cared for in the home until her passing. She reports that she was not familiar with any institutions that provided care. She explained that her family was lucky enough to be able to provide care to her older family members, as she knew many individuals who would work until their passing.

Does the elderly person expect family members to provide care, including nurturance and other humanistic aspects of care?

em427mail — 2025-02-06 23:12:59 UTC

In my Alissa's family, taking care of older relatives was heavily promoted. She explained how this was not expected in other families she knew of; however, in her own family unit great respect is held for the elders.

To what cause(s) does the client attribute illness and disease?

em427mail — 2025-02-06 23:14:54 UTC

Alissa attributes illness and disease to scientific occurrences within the body. She states that other members of her family believe that illness can be a test from God.

What name does the client give to his or her health-related condition?

em427mail — 2025-02-06 23:16:44 UTC

Alissa has a condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. This condition affects an individual's connective tissue. It often causes skin elasticity, joint hyper-mobility, and impedes development. For Alissa, this condition has caused numerous joint dislocations that have resulted in numerous emergency room visits.

What is the client’s religious affiliation? How actively involved in the practice of this religion is the client?

em427mail — 2025-02-06 23:17:44 UTC

Alissa's family in Guatemala practiced Catholicism. Alissa claims she is not too involved in religion; however, her family is deeply involved within the church. Alissa often only attends seasonal services around holidays.

How are biomedical/scientific healthcare providers perceived? How does the client and his or her family perceive nurses? What are the expectations of nurses and nursing care?

em427mail — 2025-02-07 03:34:51 UTC

Alissa recalls how healthcare was not regularly utilized whenever she moved to the United States. She explained how this changed over time due to her father having increased health problems. She and her family view nurses as individuals who are there to support their care. They believe that they are responsible for providing medications, assisting in procedures, and advocating for their needs.

How does the client’s cultural group view mental disorders? Are there differences in acceptable behaviors for physical versus psychological illnesses?

em427mail — 2025-02-07 03:36:14 UTC

In relation to mental illness, Alissa explains that psychologic disorders have not impacted any members of her family. Alissa explains that mental illness was never discussed within her family and that is it generally not accepted as a medical condition.

How does the client’s religious affiliations affect health and illness (e.g., life events such as death, chronic illness, body image alteration, cause and effect of illness)

em427mail — 2025-02-07 03:38:29 UTC

Alissa has been a Catholic throughout her life. Catholicism has not played a part within Alissa's own health; however, she explained her family is heavily involved within the religion. Her family devotes a large amount of time to prayer whenever her relatives are hospitalized or receiving end of life care.

What is the role of significant religious representatives during health and illness? Are there recognized religious healers (e.g., Islamic Imams, Christian Scientists practitioners nurses, Catholic priests, Mormon elders, Buddhist monks)?

em427mail — 2025-02-07 03:40:47 UTC

Alissa discussed how it is preferred to have a Catholic priest for family members who are in the process of dying. Their role is to perform religious practices like Last Rites and the final communion.