Cultural Considerations for Patient Care

A Jewish person need not be religious to be "Jewish," and may observe Jewish religious traditions for cultural reasons.

This religious group does not celebrate birthdays and most Christian holidays.

This religious group uses the right hand for "clean" tasks like eating and left hand for "unclean" tasks.

What religious group does not consider modesty or same sex caregiver important?

Which religious group observes a 24 hour period called "Sabbath" each week?

This religious group may express strong belief in miraculous healing.

Muslim patients who are ill are required to fast during the thirty-day month of Ramadan.

What religious group(s) are often vegetarian and may refuse to consume any meat or animal by-product.

Which religious group observes prohibition against blood products?

Buddhist prefer to have pain medication given to them immediately to avoid suffering.

Some Jewish patients may strictly observe a rule not to work on the Sabbath or on religious holidays.

Passover is a highly significant holiday in the Jewish religion.

What religious group places strong emphasis on mindfulness?

This religious group observes a month-long fasting period called Ramadan

Which religious group conducts prayers five times a day?

All Jewish holidays run sundown-to-sundown.

Fasting is a common practice in Hindu.

Which religious groups observe prohibitions against pork products and gelatin?

Muslims may request a diet in accordance with religious laws for Halal food.

Jewish patients may request a special kosher diet in accordance to religious laws.

Sacraments and blessings by a priest are highly important for this religious group.

This religious group may pray by "speaking in tongues," an expression that is unintelligible to an objective hearer.

Patients from this religious group may request Holy Communion, rosary, prayer, and or blessing during stay in hospital.

The Jewish Passover is celebrated for one day each year.

Catholics observe a 40 day period of fasting once a year called "Lent."