There are many nuances to the various cultures represented in this great state of Minnesota. Here are a few basic subtle differences to keep in mind when caring for patients from the following cultures.

• Within Sudanese refugees--men speak for the family and often answer for the women. They have no concept of time and appointments which is frustrating for the patient and the practitioner (Clement, 14).
• Southeast Asian descent persons have a very high tolerance for pain. They also tend to come to an appointment as a family unit unlike traditional MN families who tend to come to appointments alone (Clement, 17).
• Korean and Mexican Americans try to shield the ill from a bad prognosis.
• Navajo also tend to believe healers should not give patients bad news (Clement, 18). Bad news should come from the family or the cultural healer.

Finally, a barrier more common in the rural areas than urban areas is that language problems are tougher in rural areas where professional interpreters are scarce. This can create problems in the true translation of the illness with the non-professional interpreter interjecting their own opinion in the translation (Clement, 17). Many times in rural areas, the provider will need to rely upon a family member, another worker from the health care facility, or a member of the community to translate. Based upon the given culture, there may be issues that the translator either is uncomfortable asking the patient or does not know how to interpret properly. Therefore, this creates a miscommunication as the patient may not be answering what the provider asked leading to incorrect information.