Culturally sensitive case study: A newborn with down syndrome

With the change in the demographic data in the United States, nurses are frequently involved in the care of patients who come from different cultures and hold different beliefs. These patients may have beliefs that differ from the beliefs of the nurse. To give culturally sensitive care, the nurse needs to listen carefully to the family, try to avoid being judgmental, and separate personal feelings and beliefs. Nurses grow within their practice as they learn about different cultures and religions and integrate that knowledge into their nursing care. This article is a case presentation about an acutely ill Hasidic Jewish newborn with Down syndrome. It will review the infant's medical problems, the family's religious and cultural beliefs, and how nursing care was modified to optimize the care.