NUR1014: Indigenous Health and Cultural Safety in Healthcare Practice

Assessment Task 2: Critical Analysis Research Essay

Unit Overview

NUR1014 explores the historical, social, and political forces that influence the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This assessment requires students to demonstrate an understanding of cultural safety and its application in nursing to address health disparities.

Assessment Instructions

Word Count: 1,500 words (+/- 10%) Weighting: 40% Format: Essay (Introduction, Body Paragraphs, Conclusion) Referencing: Monash Cite Guide (Harvard)

Task Requirements

Write a research essay that addresses the following three components:

1. Historical Context: Analyze how past government policies (e.g., the Stolen Generations or the Northern Territory Intervention) continue to impact the health outcomes of Indigenous Australians today.

2. Cultural Safety vs. Cultural Awareness: Define both terms and argue why transitioning from awareness to safety is essential for effective nursing practice.

3. Clinical Application: Identify one specific chronic health condition prevalent in Indigenous communities. Propose evidence-based nursing interventions that incorporate culturally safe practices to improve patient engagement and outcomes.

Marking Criteria (Rubric Summary)

1. Critical Analysis (30%): Depth of understanding regarding historical impacts on modern health.
2. Application of Theory (30%): Ability to integrate cultural safety frameworks into clinical nursing scenarios.
3. Research and Evidence (20%): Use of credible, peer-reviewed literature published within the last 10 years.
4. Structure and Expression (10%): Logical flow, academic tone, and clarity of writing.
5. Referencing (10%): Accurate application of Harvard referencing style.

Required Learning Materials & Peer-Reviewed References

• Best, O. and Fredericks, B. (2021). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing. 3rd edn. Melbourne: Oxford University Press. https://www.oxforduniversitypress.com.au/books/higher-education/nursing/9780190326395-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health-and-wellbeing

• Curtis, E., Jones, R., Tipene-Leach, D., Walker, C., Loring, B., Paine, S. and Reid, P. (2019). ‘Why cultural safety rather than cultural competency is required to achieve health equity: a literature review and recommended definition’, International Journal for Equity in Health, 18(1), pp. 1-17. doi: 10.1186/s12939-019-1037-2

• Odhiambo, A., Kelly, J., Walker, N., Wright, S. and Ward, J. (2023). ‘Understanding the impact of historical trauma on the health of Indigenous Australians: A systematic review’, Journal of Health Services Research & Policy, 28(2), pp. 112-125. doi: 10.1177/13558196221142456

• Power, T., Wilson, D., Best, O., Brockie, T., Bearskin, L., Millender, E. and Lowe, J. (2020). ‘The COVID-19 pandemic: A call to action to identify and address racial and undermanaged health disparities of Indigenous peoples’, Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29(15-16), pp. 2732-2735. doi: 10.1111/jocn.15319

• Ward, Lipworth and Kerridge (2022). ‘Cultural safety in Australian healthcare: the role of nursing education’, Nursing Ethics, 29(4), pp. 890-904. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09697330211047158