Instructions
It’s a total of 6 pages reflection that identifies one of the Calls to Action from the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada and how it will impact your care of indigenous patients?
*4 pages in length without title page and reference page. (total of 6 pages)
Reflection should be evidenced using 3 resources from scholarly peer reviewed journals, textbooks & evidenced informed websites.
Reflection should address :
. What is the meaning and intent of one of the TRCC health related Calls to Action (#18-24)?
. How will you as a future nurse uphold the selected Call to Action?
. How will this impact your care of indigenous patients?
Use 3 evidenced based scholarly peer reviewed journals, textbooks & evidenced informed websites. These resources should be cited in your text and listed in APA format in your reference page.
Kindly use APA formatting for citations and reference page.
Reflection on TRCC Call to Action and its Impact on Care for Indigenous Patients
Introduction
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRCC) issued 94 Calls to Action in 2015, aiming to address the ongoing impacts of residential schools and promote healing and reconciliation. Calls to Action #18-24 specifically focus on health, recognizing the historical and systemic inequities faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. This reflection will explore Call to Action #22, which emphasizes the importance of recognizing and utilizing the healing practices of Indigenous peoples and the need for Indigenous healing practices to be included in the treatment of Indigenous patients. This reflection will discuss the meaning and intent of this Call to Action, how I will uphold it as a future nurse practitioner, and its impact on my care for Indigenous patients.
Meaning and Intent of TRCC Call to Action #22
Call to Action #22 states: “We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian healthcare system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients.” This Call to Action aims to bridge the gap between Western medical practices and Indigenous healing traditions. It acknowledges the importance of holistic approaches that incorporate spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical healing, which are often central to Indigenous health perspectives. The intent is to create a more inclusive and culturally safe healthcare environment where Indigenous patients feel respected and their cultural practices are honored.
Upholding Call to Action #22 as a Future Nurse Practitioner
As a future nurse practitioner, upholding Call to Action #22 involves several key actions:
- Cultural Competence and Humility: I will commit to ongoing education about Indigenous cultures, histories, and healing practices. Understanding the diversity within Indigenous communities and the specific practices they value is crucial. This includes learning about traditional medicines, ceremonies, and the roles of healers and Elders.
- Building Relationships: Establishing trust with Indigenous patients is essential. This means creating a safe space where patients feel comfortable sharing their cultural practices and preferences. Building relationships with local Indigenous communities, healers, and Elders will also be important to facilitate collaborative care.
- Collaborative Care: I will advocate for the integration of Indigenous healing practices into patient care plans. This involves working collaboratively with Indigenous healers and respecting patients’ wishes to include traditional practices. For example, if a patient wishes to incorporate a smudging ceremony or use traditional medicines alongside Western treatments, I will support and facilitate this integration.
- Policy Advocacy: I will work towards influencing healthcare policies to support the inclusion of Indigenous healing practices in mainstream healthcare settings. This includes advocating for hospital policies that allow for traditional ceremonies and the presence of Indigenous healers within healthcare facilities.
Impact on Care for Indigenous Patients
Upholding Call to Action #22 will have a profound impact on the care of Indigenous patients:
- Improved Trust and Communication: By recognizing and incorporating Indigenous healing practices, healthcare providers can build stronger, more trusting relationships with Indigenous patients. This trust is fundamental for effective communication and patient engagement in their own health care.
- Enhanced Cultural Safety: Integrating Indigenous healing practices into healthcare promotes cultural safety, where patients feel their cultural identity and practices are respected and valued. This can lead to better patient satisfaction and compliance with treatment plans.
- Holistic Health Outcomes: Indigenous healing practices often emphasize a holistic approach to health, addressing the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical aspects of well-being. By incorporating these practices, healthcare providers can support more comprehensive and effective health outcomes for Indigenous patients.
- Empowerment and Self-Determination: Supporting Indigenous patients in their healing practices empowers them to take an active role in their health care. It promotes self-determination and autonomy, allowing patients to make informed decisions that align with their cultural beliefs and values.
Conclusion
The TRCC’s Call to Action #22 is a critical step towards reconciliation and improving healthcare for Indigenous peoples in Canada. As a future nurse practitioner, my commitment to cultural competence, relationship-building, collaborative care, and policy advocacy will be essential in upholding this Call to Action. By integrating Indigenous healing practices into patient care, I aim to create a more inclusive, respectful, and effective healthcare environment for Indigenous patients, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and healing journey.