Working with Alaska Natives

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Specializes in ER, Float (MS, SD, CCU, OB).

Hi All,

I just took an ER job in Sitka, Alaska working at Mt Edgecumbe SEARHC Hospital. It is a facility for Alaska Natives (Eskimo and other tribes). Any tips/cultural advice for working with this people group?

Thanks!

Meg

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Specializes in ER/AMS/OPD/UC.

Haha, Meg welcome to Sitka!

Well I haven't been on this site in a while. I was surfing and found you lol. I met you tonight coming home from work. My name is Tahirih....the other ER nurse on days.

A couple of pointers with the Native culture here

Respect is a big thing here...especially with our elders.

Some of the ways we convey respect is not to speak too quickly, not to stare while speaking...as it is considered disrespectful, and most importantly, the role of the family.

Family is a big thing. When people come to the ER it is not uncommon that extended family will show up in droves..cousins, great aunts, grandparents......and here in Sitka everyone is family! So the lines can be somewhat blurred....and difficult at times when it gets really busy in our small ER. I have only had a few occasions when I have had to ask the family to take turns seeing the patient, or having them to leave to the waiting area because their family member was in a emergent state.

So there you go! You are all set for the wonderful world of IHS...(at least in Sitka).

It will be great!

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Specializes in ER, Float (MS, SD, CCU, OB).

Unbelievable! What are the odds of you reading my post here? Awesome! Thanks so much for your reply- I'm sure we'll talk a lot more in person. See you around!

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I was looking at an ICU contract here, can anyone tell me anything about this department? Sitka in general..I am from Missouri

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