School of Nursing presents workshop on cultural diversity

Loma Linda University School of Nursing held a workshop on cultural diversity Thursday, November 2, 2000, in Wong Kerlee International Conference Center. The conference, titled “Cultural Bridges,” featured Geri-Ann Galanti, PhD, author of Caring for Patients From Different Cultures: Case Studies From American Hospitals, (2nd edition).

She spoke to almost 300 participating faculty, staff, and students from the School of Nursing. Talking was not all she did, however. Dr. Galanti had several activities that required the participants to stand and interact with each other.

“We had a survey following the conference and according to the results, the conference was well received by all,” says Penny Miller, PhD, RN, associate professor of nursing.

Helen E. King, PhD, RN, dean and professor of nursing, School of Nursing, LLU; Leslie N. Pollard, DMin, special assistant to the president for diversity, LLU; and B. Lyn Behrens, MBBS, president, LLU, welcomed the participants to the conference. In her welcome, Dr. Behrens pointed out how important it is to understand cultural and religious differences, using the Middle East conflict as an example.

Using humor and a down-to-earth conversational style that involves the audience, Dr. Galanti began her lecture by describing the differences between generalizations and stereotypes.

“I feel we can learn from that and overcome that as a group,” explains Dr. Galanti. “It helps to enhance our understanding. ”

Dr. Galanti discussed gestures, eye contact,
personal-space language, values, self care, and many other areas of misunderstanding among different cultural groups. She lectured not only on diversity with patients but also with coworkers.

“The speaker was carefree and interesting,” proclaims Marc Chavez, senior nursing student. “I think she involved the audience very well in her presentation. ”

“She does a great job of engaging the audience and stimulating discussion,” adds Dr. Miller.

Dr. Miller says that the School of Nursing held this conference because the faculty feel it is very important to integrate cultural awareness into curriculum as well.

“I think the students appreciate that we are trying to understand them culturally,” adds Dr. Miller.

All contents copyright © 2000 Loma Linda University. All rights reserved.
Revised Wednesday, September 12, 2001 11:12 AM
Send comments and questions to webmaster@univ.llu.edu
URL: http:///www.llu.edu/