Working With Aboriginal People Homework Help

Due Date: 30 May 2014
Weighting: 40%
Word Count: 2500

CASE STUDY – Shattered dreams
Six young Aboriginal people from this regional town graduated as nurses and found
positions at the local hospital because they wanted to stay close to their families. The
Aboriginal groups of the town were delighted and often requested that one of these nurses
attend them. A few months later, however, the shine had gone off the job for one of these
young, enthusiastic nurses. She blamed herself, but during counselling it became clear that
she was bearing the brunt of various forms of discrimination from other nurses. Soon after
this she resigned.
Over the next two years, one by one the other five Aboriginal nurses resigned, for similar
reasons ranging from avoidance to blatant racism. Various attempts were made to alert the
nursing hierarchy to the tragedy unfolding but the usual responses were along the lines of
‘they are choosing to go’ or ‘they just haven’t got what it takes’ or other ‘blame the victim’
statements. Not once was it acknowledged that the attitudes of ‘mainstream’ staff needed
appraisal or that the hospital needed to look at itself.
Clearly these Aboriginal nurses did not fit the membership criteria for nursing at this
hospital and even when the power over others in nursing was revealed, it was not
questioned. It was concealed and institutionalized. (Eckermann, 2008: 171)
Using the theory of ‘White Privilege”, unpack the issues raised in this workplace. Offer
solutions using the principles of community development and cultural awareness.
Essential Readings and Resources:

Briskman, L. (2007). Social work with indigenous communities. Annandale, N.S.W.:
Federation Press.
Essential Readings and Resources:

Briskman, L. (2007). Social work with indigenous communities. Annandale, N.S.W.:
Federation Press.