Asian Nurse Heritage

Note:

C, J, K, and V refer to Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese.

Communication:

Primary language varies with country. Greetings should be formal (C, J, K, V). Direct eye contact (C, J, K) or invasion of personal space (C, J) may cause uneasiness. Touch only when necessary (C, J, V). Shaking hands is okay (J, K), but males should not initiate a handshake with females (V).

Health-care Practices:

Same-gender health-care provider is strongly preferred by women (C, K, V). Assumption of the sick role is highly tolerated and long recuperation is encouraged (J). May seek traditional, alternative treatment first, prior to accepting Western medicine (C, J, K, V). Likely to refuse blood transfusions (V).

Diet and Nutrition:

Rice is a staple (J, K, V) and is included in every meal throughout the day, including snacks (J). Tofu is a staple (C). High intake of sweets may account for high incidence of tooth decay (J). High incidence of lactose intolerance (J, K, V) and iron-deficiency anemia (V). Prefer beverages without ice (C).

Pain Management:

May be reluctant to accept or request pain medication (J, K).

Death and Dying:

Responsibility for any special arrangements falls to the eldest son (J, K). Mourning can be elaborate by Western standards (J) and include offerings of food and money (C, J). The concept of advanced directives may be confusing (J). Strong desire to die at home (V). Unlikely to consent to an autopsy (V) and organ donation or transplantation may be unacceptable (J, K, V).

Taboos and Disrespect:

Open discussion about serious illness and death (J), addiction (J), mental illness (J), direct eye contact (C, J, V), pointing (V), chopsticks stuck upright in food (C), touching the head (V), placing feet upon desk or table (V).