"Bridging two worlds?”: Towards cultural safety within schools of nursing in Australian universities
Date of Award
2019
Degree Name
Master of Philosophy (School of Nursing)
Schools and Centres
Nursing and Midwifery
First Supervisor
Dr Bethne Hart
Second Supervisor
Janine Mohamed
Abstract
Cultural safety has been a developing movement within the nursing profession in Australia over the past decade, led by the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives. This thesis explores this progress towards cultural safety; with a focus upon the Schools of Nursing in Australia. The philosophical and educational shifts from cultural awareness and competence, towards cultural safety are required within these very Schools that prepare nurses for their profession and its practice.
This thesis utilises a descriptive survey method, derived from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Framework, to gather information about the Schools of Nursing and their commitment and readiness towards cultural safety. This research is undertaken within a Decolonisation theoretical framework, turning the ‘gaze’ upon those who hold the dominant cultural position. The findings demonstrate significant progress towards cultural safety strategies and actions. Weaknesses in progress are identified in areas of organisational resources, in the recognition of the knowledge and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students, and in the ongoing project of decolonising curriculum and faculty.
Recommendations are presented to support the continuing pathways towards cultural safety within the nursing profession. Cultural safety – in its philosophy and practice – requires continuing shifts in each nurse, in their relationships and practice, and in the nursing education that powerfully shapes the health care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Publication Details
Petric, S. (2019). "Bridging two worlds?”: Towards cultural safety within schools of nursing in Australian universities (Master of Philosophy (School of Nursing)). University of Notre Dame Australia. https://researchonline.nd.edu.au/theses/222