Robin L Keating Role Development I

American Indian Family Patterns

Culture and Nursing Applications

The American Indian

Family patterns make up the basic blocks of our cultural identity. Socioeconomics, geography, and religion mold the family patterns which influence health status, health care education, and health care behavior. The traditional American Indian family pattern includes polytheism, strong family hierarchy based on seniority and age, respect for their elders, and communal activities. Acculturation has affected the American Indian since the 1887 Dawes Act, which terminated the tribal ownership of land for white settlement. The ethnocentric attitude of the Western development was to suppress their native cultures, destroy the pagan beliefs, and educate the American Indian children.

The FAMILY is the basic unit of society.

Cultural barriers in Ways to avoid these: Encourage conversations health asessmt: with objective questions. - They have comfort Be considerate of eye with silence contact preference, use sparingly. Direct eye contact is Advise and ask permission considered rude to enter personal space for Their personal vitals and health space is guarded assessment. Offer personal conversation Talking with strangers is unusual to obtain rapport and encourage patient Will usually come disclosure with family member Engage conversation with

family member & utilize pertinent questions to make comfortable.

Family Patterns

also include religious & community

Health Facts/Stats of Family Patterns

They have a shorter life expectancy averaging 63 years Death rate from alcoholism is 6-1/2x higher Suicide, diabetes, and hypertension are double the national average

Dont assume culture based on ethnicity

Being aware of family patterns doesnt give the right to make assumptions. Always obtain the information directly from the patient. Be aware of the genetic predispositions.

Nursing Applications

TRENDS include: Reluctance to seek healthcare, lack of education regarding importance of routine checkups, lack of prevention education
The points noted on this slide are crucial to healthcare providers. Additional education and patient teaching should focus on the importance of seeking regular healthcare check ups and preventive medicine.

We dont accomplish anything in this world alone and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of ones life and all of the weavers of the individual threads from one another that creates something. -Sandra Day OConnor

The Tapestry of Family Patterns