Culture Values, beliefs, attitudes, languages, symbols, rituals, behaviors and customs unique to a group of people and are passed from one generation to another.

Basic Characteristics Learned Shared Social Dynamic

Classification Based on: Ethnicity - national origin/culture Race – physical or biological

Differences in people based on culture, ethnicity or race Cultural Diversity Differences in people based on culture, ethnicity or race

Holistic Care Well being of whole person: Mental Social Physical

Health Care Considerations Family Language Personal Space Touching Eye Contact Gestures Health Care Beliefs Spirituality Religion

Religious Considerations Blood transfusion – Christian Scientist, Jehovah’s Witness Touch – Islam Last rites – Catholicism, Judaism Special garment/relic – Mormon, Native American

Religious Considerations Continued Atheist – No belief in deity Agnostic – Belief existence of deity cannot be prove or disproved

Cultural Considerations Hispanic/Native American – avoid eye contact, speak softly Asian/South African/Middle Eastern – tolerate/endure pain