New Hire Orientation 2021

Population Served

• Kern County is culturally diverse; our workforce and our patient population is culturally diverse • Kern Medical remains a safety net hospital; we provide care to low-income, uninsured and vulnerable populations • Kern Medical offers specialty services; such as trauma, psychiatric and neonatal care

“We care for those who others won’t, or can’t care for………” Mr. Judd

When providing care, treatment and services in a health care setting to this diverse and often vulnerable population you should be sensitive to the following in your interactions: Language Barriers Kern County has a large Latino base. In addition to Spanish, they may speak a dialect. Kern Medical has an extensive interpreter language line to assist you. Insurance Status Access to medical care and medication may be a challenge (uninsured). Our patient’s may need help in navigating our systems. Case Management and Pharmacy are a good resource. Cultural Differences Many cultures have beliefs in traditional healers such as Curanderos (Mexico and much of Latin America), Santeria (Brazil and Cuba) and Espiritismo (Puerto Rico). These beliefs need to be considered when obtain medical information to ensure for an accurate medical history.

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