Philosophy of Care
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United States witnessed a paradigm shift in relation to multiculturalism and accompanying multi-faith practices during the past decades. Spirituality, religion, and culture gained an important role in health care over the past few decades in this country. In current practice spirituality, religion, and cultural care is considered as a vital part of holistic care in the healthcare settings. “There is also growing recognition that there is different belief system within all faith/religion and that is incumbent on care givers not to assume homogeneity among their patient in relation how they wish their faith /spiritual needs to be addressed on the traditional conceptualization of their faith tradition”(“Health Care Executive,” 2011, p. 15). Healthcare providers should respect, and accommodate their patients diverse cultural and religious practices to their care plan in order to meet the cultural, religious, and spiritual needs of the patient to achieve a better outcome of their care.
Health care providers are committed to provide the best care to their patients, family, and community. The philosophy of care varies among different cultures and religion depending on their beliefs, traditions and practices. The ultimate goal is to provide a healing, supportive and caring environment to the patient and family while accommodating their cultural and religious background. Always treat the patient with respect and dignity while accommodating their beliefs. Healing involves restoring a persons imbalance within the self. “Taking religious belief into account for holistic nursing practice is far different from promoting religion as a means of healing. Respect for particular religious beliefs and remembering how religious belief may impact a clients choices and comfort are important aspects of nursing care” (Daniels, 2004, p. 1492).
Hinduism
Hinduism is a broad term that comprises a wide variety of religious beliefs. Illness may be a result of actions in a past life. The central tenet of Hinduism is a belief in incarnation. The soul is an eternal entity that s reborn in many physical bodies. A person who leads a good life will have his soul reborn in a higher status in the next life and vice versa. Cremation is preferred at the time of death. No last rites are practiced, but some people wish to be alert at the time of death. Most Hindus are vegetarians and do not eat meat. Alcohol is not consumed. Abortion and birth control are allowed among the people. They do Pujas and slanting mantra to cure from diseases. Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation are the traditional way of treatment among Hindu population. Family plays an important role in the healthcare decisions. Often head of the family take decisions for the family. They would like to eat food which is prepared at home. Family like to stay with the patient during the hospitalization.
Buddhism
Buddhism has no belief in any god. The goal of Buddhism is to free self from craving both material goods and pleasures in order to achieve nirvana, which is an eternal life without further incarnation. Meditation is used as a means to learn to overcome desires and free the self from worldly entanglements. Illness is tolerated as a part of life. Healing through prayer is not practiced. No formal ceremonies take place. Abortion depends on mothers condition. Birth control is acceptable among this religion. People are usually vegetarian and do not consume alcohol. Even though they do not have a god, they practice meditation of Gautham Buddha and various celestial Buddhas. Quiet environment is valued.
Muslim
According to religion the duty of human beings is to worship and obey god. Among Muslims prayers for healing is acceptable. Many pray five times a day facing Mecca. Cremation is not practiced. Some may wish to face Mecca at the time of death. Belief in life after death is upheld. Confession before