Filipino Nursing (medical) Culture

World Philippines

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Hello Everyone,

I am a first semester nursing student in California. We are doing a cultural presentation on Filipino culture in the US to help us better understand and serve the community as future nurses. What are the specific values and customs that we need to pay attention to? I know in Eastern European culture for instance, it is very much forbidden to let a terminally-ill patient know the state of his disease - because it is considered an "emotional protection" of the patient. Is there anything specific like this nurses need to respect and pay attention to that is related to Filipino Culture?

Thank you very much!

"Family" and religion is very important. Usually extended families live in one household, for the belief that families should always stay together. Go to Church on sundays and other days of obligation.

Conservative culture but is becoming westernized really fast.

Hello Everyone,

I am a first semester nursing student in California. We are doing a cultural presentation on Filipino culture in the US to help us better understand and serve the community as future nurses. What are the specific values and customs that we need to pay attention to? I know in Eastern European culture for instance, it is very much forbidden to let a terminally-ill patient know the state of his disease - because it is considered an "emotional protection" of the patient. Is there anything specific like this nurses need to respect and pay attention to that is related to Filipino Culture?

Thank you very much!

Have you Googled this? Try "Filipino culture medical" and see what comes up. You might find links that will give you pictures and other information that will inspire you.

Specializes in ICU.

Filipinos say "yes" to most everything, not because they agree with what the speaker is saying but because it is a way of showing respect. This can make pt teaching challenging because a Filipino patient will nod their head and say yes when you ask if they understand, but sometimes they really don't know (case in point: my mother).

Also, you will may need to offer something more than once. I was taught that it was polite to say no the first time and then accept when offered again (I know Chinese people say no at least 2 times and then accept on the 3rd or 4th offer).

for Filipinos , family is very important. family may include nephews, nieces, god children, close friends. It matters most if relatives (in groups) are allowed to visit patients while confined in the hospital. most Filipinos are Christians. Visit from a Priest, Chaplains, will be most welcome

Hello Everyone,

I am a first semester nursing student in California. We are doing a cultural presentation on Filipino culture in the US to help us better understand and serve the community as future nurses. What are the specific values and customs that we need to pay attention to? I know in Eastern European culture for instance, it is very much forbidden to let a terminally-ill patient know the state of his disease - because it is considered an "emotional protection" of the patient. Is there anything specific like this nurses need to respect and pay attention to that is related to Filipino Culture?

Thank you very much!

Yes, family is very important for Filipinos like many Asians. Extended family culture.

Back here in the Philippines, nursing homes are almost unheard of. The institutions that we have here cater for abandoned elderlies. These institutions are mostly NGO funded.

Culturally therefore, Filipinos are reared with the tradition that "you personally take care of your elders up to their last breath." Correct me if Im wrong therefore if you would see a lot of elderlies in care homes there in the US.

Another culture of Filipinos are the "fiestas." This was a byproduct of the Spanish occupation of the Philippines. Fiestas are thanksgiving parties with a lot of food and merrymaking and add to that that Filipinos are known for their hospitability.

So, when you find a patient with a lot of visiting family members, that is very normal. if you find alot of food in the patients room, that is normal. AND IF they invite you to partake of their food, they would feel honored if you obliged. Filipinos adapt well to where ever they are so Im not really sure if that scenario is being seen over there.

oops, most importantly, it is important to point out that the culture of the Filipinos generally revolve around religion which is Roman Catholic.

Hope this helps

Filipinos say "yes" to most everything, not because they agree with what the speaker is saying but because it is a way of showing respect. This can make pt teaching challenging because a Filipino patient will nod their head and say yes when you ask if they understand, but sometimes they really don't know (case in point: my mother).

Also, you will may need to offer something more than once. I was taught that it was polite to say no the first time and then accept when offered again (I know Chinese people say no at least 2 times and then accept on the 3rd or 4th offer).

YES, this is quite true. lolz. This is mostly applicable to the older generation, but im sure not the offsprings especially those who were raised over there.

Filipinos will never see a doctor as soon as possible. they always wait for a critical s/s like bleeding or vomiting. :/ even i am guilty. some filipinos do not seek medical attention because of poverty.

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