Culture has so many different
definitions but the one that resonates most with me because of the cultural
group I have chosen is, “the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and
practices that characterizes an institution or organization” (Merriam-Webster).
After a lot of thought I have decided to research a culture that did not stick
out to me as a culture of their own, but when I really think about it they
really are, families with terminally ill children.
Families
with terminally ill children, or just children with cancer in general fall into
a culture of their own. These families are typically spending a majority of
their time within the walls of hospitals surrounded by the same doctors,
nurses, receptionists, and other families in the same situation. This
familiarity allows them to grow in knowing one another while trying to
accomplish a common goal: ensuring that they are doing everything in their
power to heal their children. These families have to schedule their life around
what is best for their children therefore obligated to put other things in life
on the back burner. I am very interested in finding out what comes first and
what gets put last. Secondly, I am so interested in the relationships that form
between the families and their care team, they always say not to get attached,
but there is always going to be some sort of connection. I think that it would
be a fantastic opportunity to have the privilege to watch the relationship of
the care team and patient from beginning to end.
To further
research my chosen culture I plan to visit the Omaha Children’s Hospital, I
have previously volunteered here and know that I can go and visit to get
information. I have also recently been to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
in Memphis, Tennessee where this culture became apparent to me. I work closely
through Tri Delta with a St. Jude representative that could connect me with a
St. Jude family that could tell me about their journey.
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