Reference no: EM131549612

It revolves being culturally competent and by that understanding religion, mental health, and the combination of both by identifying religious competence as part of cultural competence.

This involves implementing as well as determining the "patients' psychological and existential frameworks; it can also play a key role in determining behavioral variables (which, in turn, influence physiological variables) that have a direct bearing on mental health" (Whitley, 2012).

My strengths would be to initially identify the patient's spiritual preferences, being attentive by being an active listener to the patient's spiritual needs. Moreover, spirituality is essentially an unchecked vital sign that is essentially to all patients regardless of their religion. However, weakness mainly finding consultation for patients whom are very particular about whom they speak.

Also being exposed to different patient populations within med-surg that have different capacities which can be difficult to honor their wishes but do so to the best of my ability. When it comes to patients, it's important to improve patient care through "taking a spiritual history, respecting and supporting spiritual beliefs, challenging beliefs, praying with patients, and appropriate consultation with clergy" (Koenig, 2008). This is something I will continue to work on as time goes on.

If I were a patient with the capacity, I would coordinate with the health care team about my preferences and needs and be updated on all of the happenings regarding my plan of care.

However, should I lack the mental capacity to make such ethical decisions, my advocate would be that of my parents fulfill my wishes when it comes to my plan of care. They will be informed about all options when it comes to treatments and seek both a realistic, viable alternatives should they be present.