Journal Articles by Salma Debs-Ivall, PhD, RN
This paper will present findings related to discrimination and racism from a study that examined ... more This paper will present findings related to discrimination and racism from a study that examined White nurses’ perceptions of increasing diversity in Canadian nursing using grounded theory approach under the tenets of participatory Action Research.
Methodology: This was a qualitative study using a grounded theory approach informed by the tenets of participatory action research. Twenty-one registered nurses who self-identified as White/Caucasian and who represented all levels of health care within five health facilities in a region of Canada were interviewed. The sample recruitment was facilitated by theoretical sampling. Data analysis was done using a constant comparison process. Atlas-ti facilitated data management and storage.
Results: The nurses affirmed the presence of racism and discrimination within the Canadian nursing profession and the larger health care system and the need for change. However, recognizing racism and discrimination in issues of competency and standard-setting can challenge the cultural beliefs of nurses about the superior quality of Canada’s nursing professionals and the ‘equal opportunities’ available to all who meet Canadian standards.
Conclusions and Implications: The successful integration of diverse nurses into the nursing profession will ultimately require change on the part of the nursing profession as a whole as well as individual Caucasian Canadian nurses and diverse nurses to address difference in positive ways. Increasing diversity among Canadian nurses changes Canadian nursing. We all need to adapt to this evolving reality.
Keywords: Racism, Discrimination, Nursing
The International Journal of Health, Wellness and Society, Volume 5, Issue 2, June 2015, pp.45-54. Article: Print (Spiral Bound). Published Online: June 16, 2015 (Article: Electronic (PDF File; 467.885KB)).
Papers by Salma Debs-Ivall, PhD, RN
The incidence of congestive heart failure (CHF) rises annually and, despite advances in medical t... more The incidence of congestive heart failure (CHF) rises annually and, despite advances in medical treatments, the prognosis remains poor. Since CHF has no cure, the treatment is mostly supportive symptom management and prevention of exacerbation. Studies examining the impact of social support on CHF have found that social support helps to prevent hospitalization and helps patients with CHF adhere to the prescribed medication and lifestyle changes. The purpose of this study was to explore the meaning of social support to Arab Canadians with CHF. The Arab immigrant population is at risk of many health problems because of traumas associated with the immigration experience and limited knowledge of a complex health care system. The qualitative method of particularistic ethnography was used to gain a better understanding of the meaning of support in this cultural group. In depth, semi-structured, audio-taped interviews were conducted with a sample of 7 Lebanese Christian participants. The data analysis revealed 3 themes: "My family will take care of me"; "I rely on God"; and The illness is not important. Nursing implications and recommendations have been proposed to address the needs of this cultural group.
The Lived Experiences of Immigrant Canadian Women With the Healthcare System
Canadian Journal of Nursing Leadership
The International Journal of Health, Wellness, and Society, 2015
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Journal Articles by Salma Debs-Ivall, PhD, RN
Methodology: This was a qualitative study using a grounded theory approach informed by the tenets of participatory action research. Twenty-one registered nurses who self-identified as White/Caucasian and who represented all levels of health care within five health facilities in a region of Canada were interviewed. The sample recruitment was facilitated by theoretical sampling. Data analysis was done using a constant comparison process. Atlas-ti facilitated data management and storage.
Results: The nurses affirmed the presence of racism and discrimination within the Canadian nursing profession and the larger health care system and the need for change. However, recognizing racism and discrimination in issues of competency and standard-setting can challenge the cultural beliefs of nurses about the superior quality of Canada’s nursing professionals and the ‘equal opportunities’ available to all who meet Canadian standards.
Conclusions and Implications: The successful integration of diverse nurses into the nursing profession will ultimately require change on the part of the nursing profession as a whole as well as individual Caucasian Canadian nurses and diverse nurses to address difference in positive ways. Increasing diversity among Canadian nurses changes Canadian nursing. We all need to adapt to this evolving reality.
Keywords: Racism, Discrimination, Nursing
The International Journal of Health, Wellness and Society, Volume 5, Issue 2, June 2015, pp.45-54. Article: Print (Spiral Bound). Published Online: June 16, 2015 (Article: Electronic (PDF File; 467.885KB)).
Papers by Salma Debs-Ivall, PhD, RN
Methodology: This was a qualitative study using a grounded theory approach informed by the tenets of participatory action research. Twenty-one registered nurses who self-identified as White/Caucasian and who represented all levels of health care within five health facilities in a region of Canada were interviewed. The sample recruitment was facilitated by theoretical sampling. Data analysis was done using a constant comparison process. Atlas-ti facilitated data management and storage.
Results: The nurses affirmed the presence of racism and discrimination within the Canadian nursing profession and the larger health care system and the need for change. However, recognizing racism and discrimination in issues of competency and standard-setting can challenge the cultural beliefs of nurses about the superior quality of Canada’s nursing professionals and the ‘equal opportunities’ available to all who meet Canadian standards.
Conclusions and Implications: The successful integration of diverse nurses into the nursing profession will ultimately require change on the part of the nursing profession as a whole as well as individual Caucasian Canadian nurses and diverse nurses to address difference in positive ways. Increasing diversity among Canadian nurses changes Canadian nursing. We all need to adapt to this evolving reality.
Keywords: Racism, Discrimination, Nursing
The International Journal of Health, Wellness and Society, Volume 5, Issue 2, June 2015, pp.45-54. Article: Print (Spiral Bound). Published Online: June 16, 2015 (Article: Electronic (PDF File; 467.885KB)).