Reflections on International Certified Nursing Assistants

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Care
• Cross-Cultural Communication in Healthcare
• Nursing Home Administration

Background:

• The author, a former English as a Second Language (ESL) educator and current nursing home resident, offers a unique perspective on patient care.
• Healthcare settings often face challenges related to language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and religious differences between patients and caregivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the influence of English language proficiency, cultural backgrounds, and religious beliefs on the quality of care received by nursing home residents.
• To highlight communication challenges and coping strategies in diverse caregiving environments.
• To explore the benefits international certified nursing assistants (CNAs) bring to resident care, including culturally-informed practices.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of personal observations and experiences as a nursing home resident.
• Narrative reflection on communication dynamics, cultural competence, and religious factors in care delivery.
• Exploration of the intersection between patient experiences of illness/migration and caregiver backgrounds.

Main Results:

• Communication barriers due to limited English proficiency among certified nursing assistants (CNAs) can lead to frustration and potential harm.
• International CNAs can provide patient-centered care informed by family-oriented traditions from their home countries.
• Cultural competence regarding U.S. societal norms is crucial for both residents and staff.
• Religiousness serves as a coping mechanism for staff in demanding healthcare roles and influences resident experiences.

Conclusions:

• Care provided by international staff can be highly rewarding, fostering mutual understanding and personal growth for residents.
• Addressing language and cultural differences is essential for improving patient safety and satisfaction in nursing homes.
• The author finds value in the shared human experiences of illness, migration, and the clarification of identity through cross-cultural interactions.