| Learning Objective #1: Identify differences and similarities between indigenous Yup'ik Eskimo generic care and Western professional nursing care | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Delineate factors that have been most helpful in recruiting Yup'ik Eskimo students into nursing and helping them to complete their nursing program |
Design: An exploratory, descriptive design using Leininger痴 ethnonursing research model.
Population, Sample, Setting, Years: Twenty-three Yup段k health care providers interviewed in various Alaska communities between July and October 2002.
Concepts Studied: Yup段k worldview and its influence on health care compared with current nursing care concepts. Key factors for success of Yup段k students in nursing programs.
Methods: Thirty-seven, one hour, taped interviews over a four-month period. Interviews coded, grouped into related themes, and analyzed utilizing the Ethnograph v5.0 from Sage Publications, Inc. Use of Leininger痴 Acculturation Enabler Guide to quantitatively determine level of acculturation of an individual with respect to his/her culture.
Findings: Five themes: Awareness of balance in nature. Showing respect in all things. Importance of family. Importance of language. Conflict between tradition and science.
Conclusions: Health aides, on average, were younger and more traditional than the nurses. Much theory currently taught in colleges of nursing is in direct conflict with the traditional beliefs of the Yup段k health care providers. Yup段k nurses prefer a proactive support system early and throughout their college careers.
Implications: Nursing theory should be presented in a holistic manner. Nursing care must be a respectful, participatory process rather than regimented compliance. Nuclear and extended family members should be included in all stages of health care. Understanding the Yup段k language as well as body language is key to care giving. Awareness of traditional Yup段k practices is required for culturally sensitive nursing care.
Factors which increase recruitment and retention of Yup段k students in nursing: Awareness of health professions as vocational opportunities. A clearly defined role within the community. Demonstrated community, family, and college support. Academic and social preparation of village students for college life.
Back to Trends in Nursing Education
Back to 15th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
July 22-24, 2004