Indigenous Population of Australia Samples †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Indigenous Population of Australia. Answer: Description With increasing globalization, expanding immigration and growth of minority population, countries across the globe are increasingly becoming diversified. Thenursing profession is one such domain that is influenced by the social and cultural diversity of the individuals serving in this field (Carney, 2016). As an enrolled nurse, I take this opportunity to reflect upon the culturally and socially diverse background of my peer that is different from mine. While I am a non-indigenous Australian, my peer Ms. X belongs to the indigenous population. The health beliefs and values of indigenous individuals are directed more towards spiritual and non-medical healing processes. As mentioned by per my peer, her upbringing has been guided by non-invasive treatment approaches that are perceived as an element of holistic care. According to her, a comprehensive and effective care approach needs to have the mindset that natural forces are to be utilized for patient care. Reflecting on this fact, it c an be stated that thenursing practice to be delivered by her would certainly be biased towards traditional care options. The difference in concepts and opinions based on rituals and practices between an indigenous and non-indigenous healthcare professional might lead to conflict between them. Feelings Indigenous population of Australia is the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals belonging to the country who have descended from groups existing in the country as well as surrounding islands before colonization by the British. Though they are marked as a part of the broader Australoid race, noteworthy differences lie in cultural, social and linguistic customs between the individuals of this population (Willis et al., 2016). It was already known to me that the traditional beliefs and attitudes of indigenous population have not been successful in adapting to the changes in the circumstances and advancing medical technologies. While drastic changes have come up in relation to healthcare delivery, there have been fewer changes in the mentality of the individuals belonging to this group who have a different perception altogether regarding health issues. In reference to health care, it is prominent that these individuals have submissively denied a number of Western beliefs and practices (Couzos Thiele, 2016). I believe that such an attitude of the aboriginals is due to the fact that their health believes play a significant role in providing meaning to events related to illness as well as death. The approach of these individuals for helping others is distinctly different. I support such form of healing as the beneficial outcomes for patients have been witnessed often. Evaluation The communication with my peer helped me in gaining deep insight into the notions and concepts of health care promoted by indigenous professionals. The role of traditional healing process deserves special mention in here as traditional Aboriginal medicine is practiced on a wide scale in different parts of Australia. Such form of treatment include bush medicines, and these are symptom specific. Examples of bush medicine include restricted diet, herbal preparations, massage and external remedies like smoke, steam and heat (Lee Courtenay, 2017). I was surprised to learn that the indigenous people had faith that such form of natural medicines works for a wide range of acute and chronic form of illness. The knowledge made me realize that natural forms of medicines are more appreciated since they have fewer chances of side-effects. A resource that can be useful for my peer in due course ofnursing practice is the website naturalhealthmag.com.au. This website provides valuable information o n the usefulness on a number of bush medicines that have been proved to be effective for a number of curable diseases. The information contained in the website would guide a professional keen on using such medicines for patient care (naturalhealthmag.com.au, 2017). Analysis My belief that the traditional healing method might be followed is backed by a rich pool of literature. As highlighted by Jazani et al., (2016) traditional healers explore the ancient healing practices and apply them alongside of western medical frameworks. The health gap is closed after a combination of the two forms of approaches is delivered. As opined by Sheikhian et al., (2016) traditional medicinal approaches include more than just the physical health. It engages a holistic approach for treating the spiritual and cultural factors causing disease. For moving forward, it is necessary to acknowledge that western medicine is not the only healing approach (Black, 2016). Conclusion It can be concluded from the discussion that Indigenous traditional medicine needs to be integrated into national health care in Australia. It is also learned that diversity in culture is reflected through the care approaches of healthcare professionals. Health care professionals who are in support of such techniques are to be provided with resources that are helpful in this regard. For assisting an indigenous Australian so that he feels safe in a hospital environment, it is necessary to acknowledge the cultural and ethnic background of the individual and communicate in a clear manner while showing dignity and respect. Action Reflecting upon what is learned, I would bring about a change in my practice as a nurse in that I would be more supportive of my peer while attempt would be made to treat a patient with traditional medicines such as bush medicines. Under circumstances when a potential conflict might arise due to differences in opinions regarding western and traditional medicine, a clear communication would be made to understand the applicability of the two so that the decision made is justified. References Black, B. (2016). Professional Nursing-E-Book: Concepts Challenges. Elsevier Health Sciences. Carney, K. (2016). Nursing Diversity.AJN The American Journal of Nursing,116(5), 13. Couzos, S., Thiele, D. D. (2016). Aboriginal peoples participation in their health care: A patient right and an obligation for health care providers.Aboriginal and Islander Health Worker Journal,40, 6-7. Health, food, nutrition holistic healing | Australian Natural Health Magazine. (2017).Naturalhealthmag.com.au. Retrieved 4 October 2017, from https://www.naturalhealthmag.com.au/ Jazani, A. M., Azgomi, R. N. D., Fazljoo, M. B., Hamdi, K. (2016). Herbal remedies for oligomenorrhea in Traditional Persian Medicine.Trends in Pharmaceutical Sciences,2(4), 238-240. Lee, L. S., Courtenay, K. (2016). Enrichment plantings as a means of enhanced bush food and bush medicine plant production in remote arid regionsa review and status report.Mystery Train 2007. Sheikhian, A., Rezapour, S., Shirzad, H. (2016). The most important Iranian medicinal plants with immunomodulatory property according to traditional medicine and modern research findings.Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences,9(4), 3423-6. Willis, E., Reynolds, L., Keleher, H. (Eds.). (2016).Understanding the Australian health care system. Elsevier Health Sciences.