The plight of Filipino nurses, especially in First World countries like the United States, can never be underestimated. Yes, these nurses may be in the so-called Land of Milk and Honey, but they have to contend with differences in culture and upbringing between themselves and their patients/clients, as well as their fellow workers and superiors. Understanding cultural diversity ensures the effective delivery of basic health care services.

The patient population in countries that have experienced a shortage in nurses has grown diverse in recent years.Health care workers encounter challenging situations amid a confluence of cultures and diverse behavioral patterns.Language, for one, presents a tough challenge for practitioners to be able to deliver services effectively. Long-held beliefs related to health promotion and prevention can complement or run counter with accepted nursing practices.Hence, understanding cultural diversity augurs well for effective delivery of quality nursing care.

The Filipinos’ cultural practices, for one, as against other cultures, like the Mexicans, are related to their language, health beliefs on disease prevention and wellness, and the importance of religion as a source of comfort and healing.

Language, however, has never been a barrier as a large percentage of Filipinos can speak English. When mixed with other patients, Filipinos respond very well to assessment questions. They usually show no hesitation in responding to inquiries related to health concerns.Touching them as part of the initial assessment was a welcome development for them because it was an accepted practice and part of their culture. Instructions and interventions were easily implemented because they could grasp the rationale behind the practice.Consents for major tests could be retrieved without difficulty because most of them understood the importance of the procedures.

It is widely known that most Filipino patients considered religion as a factor in healing.For them, medications and procedures played a secondary role compared to prayers and spiritual convictions in promoting recovery.It is not uncommon to see rosaries hanging on hospital beds and religious statues placed on bedside tables.Many of them consider Filipino nurses to be heaven-sent.Thus, they show greater respect and attention to nursing instructions. They also attribute healing to Jesus Christ, which is understandable because 85 percent of Filipinos are Catholics.

Older Filipinos usually consider the family as an important source of health information and advice, ranging from signs and symptoms, to choice of remedies. Most of them would try over-the-counter drugs for temporary relief.They also use oils, herbal medications, or engage in healing massages and visits to healers. Health prevention takes into account such factors as sanitation and cleanliness of body and environment, diet that avoids fats and more fish and home grown vegetables, regular exercise, emphasis on a day nap to allow the body to gain more strength, and a regular family gathering at least once a week as a source of good emotional support.

In contrast, the language barrier was a common problem among Mexican patients.There was an element of formality in Hispanic interactions, especially when older persons were involved. Physical touch by strangers or verbal interaction were not appreciated early on in the relationship. This created problems during assessments as it hindered the timely retrieval of vital information which, in turn, delayed the immediate implementation of necessary intervention.Oftentimes, a family had to be called to act as interpreter because the patient always preferred the presence of a family member.

Like Filipinos, Mexicans consider religion as a vital factor in healing.They routinely recite prayers to seek divine intervention in their illness.Most of the time, families gather in hospital rooms to pray with the patient, invoking the help of a variety of saints. Like Filipinos, Mexicans value the importance of faith as a source of strength in times of illness.

Traditionally, neither prevention nor promotion of health is valued by Mexicans. This contributes to a higher prevalence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as waiting to seek care until illness has progressed. There is also a growing problem among Mexicans with obesity, stroke, and heart diseases, which could be attributed to diet and sedentary lifestyle. In comparison, Filipinos are observed to put more value on prevention as a way of avoiding serious sickness.Filipinos consider a strict diet regimen and increased activities as essential to health promotion and prevention.

Overall, both Filipinos and Mexicans embrace religion as a focal point in health practices related to prevention and healing.A major difference between them is language where Mexicans are observed to use their own language to communicate with nurses .The Mexicans’ preference for a family member to translate for them should be considered in assessing their level of trust with health care workers.

For health care professionals, especially nurses, cross-cultural awareness is essential to improve the delivery of services. For the Mexican clientele, more consideration should be focused on understanding their needs and complaints.This can be achieved by enlisting the family’s involvement and participation as interpreters. Involving the family in planning strategies for care could enhance patient cooperation and minimize resistance.For Filipinos, consulting with the family hierarchy is important for decision making. The cross-cultural approach to understanding cultural diversity ensures effective delivery of nursing care.

Despite the language barrier, Filipinos and Mexicans remain to have many similarities in culture. While both come from economies that border on the majority of the population living below poverty line, both groups of people likewise regard the “American Dream” as a ticket to salvation and, thus, a better life. As staunch, God-fearing Catholics, Filipinos and Mexicans also tend to put their trust and faith on Jesus Christ, sometimes to the point of being fatalistic. This is tantamount to being resigned to one’s fate. As a result, it is commonplace to hear Filipinos and Mexicans alike to say, “We leave it all up to God” or “His fate is all in the hands of God.” Unless circumstances point to negligence, rarely do we hear of Filipinos or Mexicans suing hospitals or health care workers because a relative or a loved one’s situation may have gotten worse or, died, as the case may be. “God has His reasons,” they would say.

It is imperative, therefore, for the nurse or any health care worker or professional to understand diverse cultures, appreciating what these can offer in terms of an efficient nursing care. Nursing, after all, is a nurturing profession and consideration should be given to what the patient needs and what can make them comfortable and at ease.