The Lion's Pride Lion's Pride Volume 12 (Spring 2019) | Page 42

they are in pain makes them less than a “good” patient, leading to
underreporting of pain.
According to the American Nurses Association, “Discrimination and
racism continue to be a part of the fabric and tradition of American
society and have adversely affected minority populations, the health care
system in general, and the profession of nursing” (Narayan, 2010, p.43).
There are patients who are subject to prejudicial stereotypes or negative
judgments based on their race or ethnicity, which negatively affects the
management and treatment of their pain within healthcare. This leads to
fear of prescribing medications, labeling minority groups as “drug-
seekers,” and pharmacies in poor neighborhoods not dispensing opioids
for pain (Narayan, 2010).
Nurses have an obligation to care for patients, advocate for them, and
safeguard their welfare. Culturally, this means encouraging a patient to
continue beneficial practices that promote health and well-being.
Another responsibility for nurses is to determine when a patient’s beliefs
or practices are neutral and accommodate them if it is possible. These
are not proven scientifically beneficial but are spiritually uplifting for
the patient and have a therapeutic effect. It becomes difficult when
patients use harmful practices, and nursing intervention and negotiation
are needed. Patients can never be forced to change their norms, but
nurses can encourage safe behaviors by listening, explaining,
acknowledging, recommending, and negotiating (L.E.A.R.N.).