Certificate ||| in Health Services Assistance (Assistant in Nursing)

There were many components of this course that emphasised on working effectively in a culturally
diverse country. Below are the components I have completed that strengthened my intercultural
understanding.
Communicate and work effectively in health (HLTHIR301C) and Contribute to
effective work place relationships (BSBFLM303C)
By completing these topics I have developed my intercultural understanding. In these topics
explored the communication barriers that exist and health issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people. I also explored strategies in addressing these barriers and explored some of the
health services available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Through activities I learnt
new perspectives and ways to show communicate effectively across cultures. I also explored laws
and legislations that prevent discrimination and conflict based on culture and beliefs.

Work effectively with Aboriginal & Tor res Strait Islander people (HLTHIR404D)
By completing this topic I have developed my intercultural understanding. In this topic I learnt the
communication and workplace practice skills and knowledge required to work with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander people in the health sector. I developed an understanding of some of the
culture, beliefs and traditions. I also learnt ways in which the Australian Government is improving
the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia and explored alternative ways
of communicating illnesses and medical procedures to those that may have different ways of
communicating.
Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co -workers (HLTHIR403C)
By completing this topic I have developed my intercultural understanding. In this topic I learnt the
knowledge and skills required to be able to understand the concepts of culture and diversity and
how it impacts in the health sector. I learnt ways to work effectively with clients and co-workers
regardless of their culture or beliefs. I also learnt about empathy in relation to others, working with
individuals and groups, to problem solve in teams and as individuals, to adapt of different situations,
to be resourceful, etc. All of these were practice in a range of activities.
Assist with client movement (HLTCSD305D) and Transport Clients (HLTCSD208D)
During the 2 day work shop I practiced working effectively with clients and co-workers regardless of
their culture or beliefs, showed empathy towards others, worked with individuals and groups,
problem solved in teams and as individuals and adapted to different situations. During the workshop
there was no cross culture conflict and felt like I strengthened relationships with everyone at the
workshop.
Support the care of clients (HLTCSD304D) and Maintain high standard of client
service (HLTCSD201D)

During the 2 day work shop I practiced working effectively with clients and co-workers regardless of
their culture or beliefs, showed empathy towards others, worked with individuals and groups,
problem solved in teams and as individuals and adapted to different situations. During the workshop
there was no cross culture conflict and felt like I strengthened relationships with everyone at the
workshop as well.
In December I will be completing a 4 day placement at an aged care facility to further develop on my
intercultural understanding.

Paramedic Pathways
Apply first aid (HLTFA311A) and Perform CPR (HLTCPR211A) and Provide basic
emergency life support (HLTFA211A)
By completing these topics I have developed my intercultural understanding. During the course I
worked effectively with a range of students regardless of their culture or beliefs, showed empathy
and connections with those from a variety of backgrounds, worked with individuals and groups,
problem solved in teams and as individuals and adapted to different situations.

School
Psychology
This subject helped me develop intercultural understanding; especially in relation to challenging
stereotypes. I developed an understanding of what stereotypes and prejudices are and the issues
that can arise for cultural groups at different levels.

Work Experience: Foodland

In my workplace, the people I serve and work with are given the same treatment regardless of their
culture or beliefs. I feel strongly about connecting with others and showing empathy towards others.
I currently work with a range of individuals and groups, problem solve in teams and as individuals
and have adapted to a range of situations. I have experienced challenges with those who do not
share the same beliefs on what is considered respectful language and language barriers with
accents, however, my respect and empathy will not change. Everyone has their own unique beliefs
and opinions which should not be discriminated or considered wrong.

Steam Island Production

During the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011 I was involved in the creation of a production
called Steam Island. The process was very challenging and throughout the process I learnt a lot
about how to interact and empathise with others. The team of people in the production was
extremely diverse and I learnt strategies to communicate with various types of people with different
beliefs and opinions.

The production revolved around the idea of issues including identity and relationships. The
production explored how people interact with those that are different using reflections of the teams
own intercultural experiences and the effects of stereotypes and prejudice.
The production team was made up of a group of individuals with different ages, skill sets and
nationalities. I was able to appreciate the positives of diversity and learnt how to manage
relationships in the group. The team managed to work collaboratively and make contributions to
complete the production; we worked with musicians, people in tech support, the director and many
actors to make the production work. The production team was also able to make decisions and apply
strategies to negotiate and resolve conflicts. Everyone was given a chance to lead the group in
improvisation exercises and group performances.
After being part of a large production I feel much more aware and confident when I am working with
a diverse group of people.