[Reconsidering the approach to native peoples]

Reconsidering nursing interventions among native people. The object of this study was to develop appropriate material to illuminate ways of enhancing interactions between native clients and clinical nurses. The chosen site was Roberval Hospital in Quebec, which serves the western and northern shores of Lac-Saint-Jean as well as the Chibougamau-Chapais region. A survey, using both a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews, was conducted among a sample of 48 nurses working at that hospital and 29 native clients representing three distinct generations of the Montagnais people residing on an Indian reserve located eight miles from the hospital. Results underline that various cultural elements are at play when nurses and native people interact with each other. On the one hand, natives view the main problems as relating to communication, definition of values and family dynamics. For most nurses, communication is the main stumbling block. They readily recognize that their initial training has not prepared them to maintain effective relationships with native people. To enhance nursing competency and smooth over cultural barriers, the authors recommend appropriate transcultural training for nurses. Meanwhile, native people would benefit from information sessions on the functions of various health professionals in a hospital setting as well as the role and organizational structure of such an institution.