Nurses responsiblilty to the Native American

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I am currently doing a research project on Native American culture and what you as the nurse should know before treating your patient. I am having a difficult time finding someone (a nurse) that has had experience with the Native American culture. My question would be...What are some of the most important things to know about your Native American patient concerning the importance of family? Do they consider time to be night and day or is time 8 am and 12 pm? How do you explain to a patient that they have to take a medication three times a day? I feel very uneducated in this subject matter. Thank you for your help.

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Specializes in OB, Family Practice, Pediatrics.

Unfortunately, I don't really have an answer for you on the time issue, except that it would probably depend on the acculturation of the patient to Western culture. It may or may not be an issue.

As far as family, it is extremely important. Natives do not classify family members the way we do. A grandmother or grandfather of a "clan" for example can be viewed as important as the patient's biological grandmothers and grandfathers; and referred to that way. Also, a father's brothers (uncles) for example are also viewed as fathers to the person. Elders are given much respect.. Each tribe has 12 clans ( I think), based on animals or nature. This determines who is related to who, as well as who is related biologically.

The traditions vary somewhat from tribe to tribe and clan to clan, however the # 4 has great significance. Four directions, four winds, etc. After a person dies, in the fourth year there is a feast in the person's honor. Hope this helps.

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Thank you for your help. This is such an under taught subject and it is so important for us (nurses) to learn other cultures so, that we can properly advocate for our patient.

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

there is a allnurses forum specifically about nursing the american indian. you should ask the nurses there.

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