People of Japanese and Jewish Heritage Yoda Lllorente Flori ✓ Solved

Caring for a Jewish patient can be complex as providing holistic care encompasses meeting physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs. How patients approach a life-threatening illness may or may not be influenced by their religion or belief system. Clinicians often assume that if a person identifies as Jewish, they adhere to the Jewish religion, but it is essential to recognize the multifaceted nature of Jewish identity which includes ethnicity and culture.

Judaism starts with an ethnic identity; most Jews are Jewish by virtue of being born into a Jewish family. Therefore, it is crucial for nurses to understand a patient’s religious background to provide optimal care and to establish a trusting and respectful relationship. This understanding encompasses the practices and beliefs surrounding death and dying, which can significantly impact healthcare decisions.

The period between death and burial is typically brief, emphasizing the human emotional reaction to loss. Burial may only be delayed for legal reasons, when relatives need to travel, or during the Sabbath. During this mourning period, traditional practices allow for expressions of grief such as crying, anger, and sharing memories. Furthermore, nurses must be aware of Jewish religious observances that could affect medical treatments, such as the Sabbath, during which many activities are restricted.

When caring for Orthodox Jewish patients, it is crucial to understand that certain medical procedures may be postponed until after the Sabbath or holy days unless the situation is life-threatening. On a daily basis, many religious Jews start their day with a prayer, acknowledging the value of life. Traditional Jewish beliefs include a notion of an afterlife, although it is not explicitly detailed in the Torah, which can influence patients' perspectives on dying and death.

In Jewish tradition, the deceased is typically not left alone from the time of death until the funeral. It is respectful for family members to remain with the dying person, and it is common to have multiple individuals present. The Shema, a prayer affirming the belief in one God, is often recited at the time of death.

In contrast, traditional Japanese customs regarding health care differ significantly from Western medical practices. The concept of "hazukashii," or shame, governs all aspects of Japanese life, placing importance on success and maintaining good health. Consequently, discussions about illness must be approached with sensitivity, often through indirect communication. The concept of "shikata ga nai," meaning "it cannot be helped," reflects a cultural attitude toward terminal illness.

The health beliefs in Japan are heavily influenced by Shintoism and Buddhism. Shintoism views illness as unclean, while Buddhism regards aging and sickness as natural processes. Many Japanese may adopt Buddhist beliefs later in life, which consequently influences their end-of-life care and funeral practices.

Upon a person’s passing, a ceremony called "Matsugo-no-mizu" (Water of the Last Moment) occurs, where the lips of the deceased are moistened. It is customary for Japanese households to maintain a shrine, which is closed and covered with white paper after a death to prevent the intrusion of impure spirits. A table with flowers, incense, and candles is often set near the deceased's body.

Family members Jewish death rituals, such as placing a white lantern in front of their house, are also observed. A death certificate is issued, and arrangements for the funeral are made in accordance with local customs. The body is treated with respect; it is washed, dressed traditionally, and placed in a casket with items significant to the deceased, like coins symbolizing safe passage across the Sanzu River.

In the United States, health concerns are generally interpreted through a scientific lens, leading to a focus on medical treatments targeting microorganisms. Conversely, other cultures may attribute illness to supernatural causes and thus engage spiritual practices like prayer for healing. Cultural beliefs consequently shape patient compliance with therapies and treatments, underscoring the importance of cultural competence in healthcare.

Paper For Above Instructions

The complexities involved in caring for patients from diverse backgrounds, particularly those of Jewish and Japanese heritage, highlight the vital role of cultural competence in nursing practice. Understanding a patient’s cultural, ethnic, and religious context becomes imperative for providing holistic care. The article explores both Jewish and Japanese beliefs, especially surrounding end-of-life care, and discusses how these beliefs impact healthcare interactions.

Judaism, as a religion and a cultural identity, significantly influences how individuals experience illness and death. Nurses need to be aware of the customs that surround mourning and death, as these practices can vary widely even within the same faith community. The Jewish tradition emphasizes the importance of family presence at the time of death and the reinforcement of the cherished tenets of belief in one God through prayers like Shema.

For Jewish patients, the observance of the Sabbath means that medical interventions may need to be postponed. This highlights the importance of effective communication between healthcare providers and patients to navigate the timing of treatments while respecting religious practices. Recognizing these complexities helps build trust and fosters a respectful relationship between patients and medical personnel.

Japanese culture, influenced by Shintoism and Buddhism, places immense value on family ties and individual shame associated with illness. This cultural context demands that healthcare professionals approach discussions regarding health with tact, often utilizing indirect communication methods. The notion that illness, particularly chronic or terminal illness, can bring shame necessitates empathy and cultural sensitivity when caring for Japanese patients.

Rituals following death illustrate the spiritual dimension inherent to Japanese culture. The importance placed on cleanliness and rituals related to the deceased reflects the deep-seated customs that guide family interactions with the dying and deceased. The ceremonies, such as Matsugo-no-mizu, which involves moistening the lips of the deceased, represent respect towards the individual who has passed and highlight the significance of cultural practices in healthcare.

This juxtaposition of cultures further emphasizes the necessity of culturally competent care, as healthcare providers must navigate a complex web of beliefs and practices that define a patient’s approach to health and mortality. Studies have shown that patients' compliance with treatment is better when healthcare providers respect and incorporate cultural beliefs into their care delivery (Purnell, 2013).

Overall, understanding the varied beliefs associated with both Jewish and Japanese cultures reinforces the critical nature of a holistic, culturally competent approach in nursing. Nurses must be educated about these cultural nuances to create a healthcare environment that respects patient identity while ensuring that care remains effective and compassionate.

References

• Purnell, L. (2013). Transcultural health care: A culturally competent approach (4th ed.). Philadelphia: F.A. Davis.
• Bisignani, J. D. (1993). Japan handbook (2nd ed.). Chico, CA: Moon.
• Goldstein, B. Z., & Kyoko, T. (1975). Japan and America: A comparative study in language and culture. Rutland, VT, and Tokyo: Charles E. Tuttle.
• Levine, C., & Kahn, J. (1991). Walking the Tightrope: The Balance of Culture in Medical Care. Health Affairs, 10(4), 46-54.
• McGoldrick, M., & Hardy, K. (2008). Re-Visioning Family Therapy: Race, Culture, and Gender in Clinical Practice. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
• Gonzalez, J. (2008). Cultural Differences in Grief and Bereavement. American Journal of Psychiatry, 165(11), 1380-1382.
• Feng, C., & Kuo, H. (2009). Cultural Considerations in End-of-Life Nursing Care. Journal of Nursing Research, 17(3), 226-232.
• Holland, J. C., & Lewis, S. (2001). Handbook of Psychologic Oncology: A Guide for Patient Care. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Hofstede, G. (2001). Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
• Vandeborre, H., & Dufresne, M. (2007). Cultural Guidelines for Caring for Patients in End-of-Life Settings. Nurs Clin North Am, 42(3), 455-476.