Workplace beliefs about luck among taiwanese nurses

Abstract

In today's science driven healthcare environment, although evidence-based information is increasingly used to guide clinical decision making, irrational beliefs are still prevalent among nurses. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to increase understanding of workplace-related beliefs about luck and its varied meanings among nurses in Taiwan. Method: A qualitative design was conducted using a content analysis approach. This paper is a description of inductive and deductive content analysis. Findings: These findings represent twelve general examples of workplace-related beliefs on good luck and bad luck among Taiwanese nurses. The author of this study uncovered the complexity and sometimes irrationality of human nature and behavior in a hospital context. All beliefs have their own meanings. Implications: These irrational beliefs are long-forgotten ways of thought that affect nurses still. We suggest that discovering nurses' viewpoints and cultural ideals is important to understand nursing practices. Nurses should be aware and understand these beliefs cautiously, and not rely too much on luck.

The Economics of Luckiness: How Crazy Are Malaysian Chinese Towards Car Plate Number “8”?

“…For example, number "4" that is pronounced similar to the word "death" is considered to be an unlucky number. The desire to avoid number "4" is manifested in the action of not labelling the "fourth" floor for hospitals in Taiwan (Lin, Lin, & Lee, 2014). This is to give a peace of mind to the staff, patients and their families that tend to associate number "4" with "death".…”

Cultural Appropriation for Improved Knowledge Acquisition in Medical Education

“… 20 , 21 It can be very destructive when it enters the domain of health-related beliefs and practices. 22 , 23 …”

“…24 , 25 In the recent past, there has been growing evidence to demonstrate the strong impact of culture, and superstition on health care in terms of health equality, health literacy, and effectiveness of public health interventions. 22 , 26–30…”

“…20,21 It can be very destructive when it enters the domain of health-related beliefs and practices. 22,23 Patients with superstitious beliefs often fail to adhere to their treatment protocols leading to high health care costs. 24,25 In the recent past, there has been growing evidence to demonstrate the strong impact of culture, and superstition on health care in terms of health equality, health literacy, and effectiveness of public health interventions.…”

“…24,25 In the recent past, there has been growing evidence to demonstrate the strong impact of culture, and superstition on health care in terms of health equality, health literacy, and effectiveness of public health interventions. 22,[26][27][28][29][30] Airhihenbuwa (1989) developed "PEN-3 cultural model" to understand the effect of culture on health behavior (acceptance towards cervical cancer screening, mammography, AIDS prevention etc) and health outcomes. 31,32 There are three domains in PEN-3 cultural model, namely Cultural Identity (Person, Extended Family, Neighbourhood), Relationships and Expectations (Perceptions, Enablers, and Nurturers), and Cultural Empowerment (Positive, Existential, and Negative).…”