Culture Care Theory and Application
Nursing theory is foundational to nursing practice; however, there exists a reciprocal relationship between practice and theory. Through examining nursing theory, the nurse can make better-informed decisions about the patient’s care. In addition, the theory will influence the care of future patients as well. One theorist that changed the landscape of nursing is Madeleine Leininger. Her culture care theory changed the dialogue of healthcare regarding care. This paper will discuss the importance of theory in nursing theory. Next, a summary of Leininger’s theory will precede a discussion about how the theory applies to nursing practice. Finally, the correlation between Leininger’s theory and the practice of a nurse practitioner will ensue. Her culture care theory will inform the practice of a nurse practitioner and how to give culturally competent care.
Importance of Nursing Theory “Nursing theory aims to describe, predict and explain the phenomenon of nursing” (Colley, 2003, p. 33); therefore, nursing theory is the scaffolding on which nurses stand to build and remodel nursing practice. This is a symbiotic relationship because nursing theory builds the nursing practice and as practice expands the scaffolding must, in turn, grow as well. As such, the investigation into practice and research keep informing the practice and profession of nursing. Ultimately, this leads to more effective patient care utilizing evidence-based practice and
In my Role Transition course, I learned about nursing theorists, some of whom developed and refined their theories after I began practicing as a registered nurse in 1976. Madeleine Leininger, the developer of the concept of transcultural nursing, was one who made an impression on me. Learning about her explanation of culture made me think about my own definition of culture and how it has affected my nursing practice. To me, culture means the beliefs, values, and practices of an individual patient or group of patients and how it influences their thoughts and decisions. It is imperative for nurses to be able to communicate effectively with both patients and colleagues from a variety of cultural backgrounds. I believe that nurses need
Care and culture are the key constructs that make up the Culture Care Theory. This theory differed from other nurses’ work or mindset because nurse leaders relied heavily up on the four metaparadigm concepts of person, environment, health, and nursing to explain nursing (McFarland and Wehbe-Alamah, 2015). Leininger realized that those four metaparadigm concepts were to limited in its scope regarding nursing and culture and care ideologies. Interestingly, care and culture were excluded from the metaparadigm. “It is not logical to use nursing to explain nursing” (McFarland and Wehbe-Alamah, 2015). That is definitely a contradiction in terms and represents scholarly research
Nursing is a continually evolving discipline. Nursing theories and conceptual frameworks serve as basis for research, education, and standards of practice. Theory plays a vital role in every nurse’s practice as it aims to define, explain, and predict the phenomenon of nursing. It helps the nursing profession expand its practice, develop research studies, and enhance patient care. This paper will discusses two of the major nursing theorists and their respective works. The paper will focus on Dorothea Orem’s self-care theory and Madeleine Leininger’s theory of culture care diversity and universality. These famous nursing scholars have contributed immensely to the study of nursing and its practice.
The nursing theories assist the nurses to identify the limitations of nursing and advance the development of nursing as a unique profession. The theories help to explain the role of nursing in todays health care sector. It also gives the information on the basics of nursing practice and help to create more information in various aspects of patient care. The benefits of having the theory in nursing compromise the improved patient care, therapeutic communication among nurses, It also helps for the guidance for the research and education.( Application of theory in Nursing process”).Nursing was considered under medicine before the development of theories in nursing. Use of theory gives structure and organization to nursing knowledge. Theories make nursing more purposeful. It not only focuses on practice but also improves the rationale. Nursing theory also give the definitions and clarifications of nursing. It helps to differentiate nursing from other professions; It provides professional limits for practice in nursing. . (McEwen, &. Wills, 2014). Nursing theory helps nurses to clarify, explain and look for incidents in nursing practice. Serve to guide, evaluation and assessment of nursing practice.. It helps in professional communication between, coworkers and patients. It is very useful in doing researches. In the field of education role of nursing theory is very significant. It helps for the development of curricula, and helps in
The United States is a diverse accumulation of cultural backgrounds which can often set the stage for feelings of confusion, anger, mistrust, and a host of other emotions when dissimilar cultures disagree. Cultural competence in nursing can help eliminate these barriers and provide a platform for nursing to follow in the quest to understand a patient's culture and background. When a nurse takes the time to learn about a given culture prior to providing care, it conveys she respects the patient's right to their beliefs, customs, and culture. It does not necessarily mean the nurse agrees with their practices but
Madeleine Leininger, similar to Florence Nightingale, was way ahead of her time (Sagar, 2011). For example, Madeleine Leininger’s culture care theory has been developed as a nursing theory relevant in a changing world as the nurse works to
The nursing profession has progressed greatly since it roots with Florence Nightingale, moving from reliance upon total medical direction for providing basic care and “the first duty of the nurse it that of obedience-absolute fidelity to his orders, even if the necessity of the prescribed measures is not apparent, you have no responsibility beyond that of faithfully carrying out the directions received” (Jennifer C. Telford), into an autonomous practice with its own nursing theory practices, models, and interventions.
the undeniably assorted, multicultural population in the United States is putting forth new difficulties in the arrangement of cultural care by nurses in general. An immediate relationship exists between a patients way of life and their well being; of the numerous factors known to impact health beliefs and practices, culture is a standout amongst the most compelling. In the event that the arrangement of the most ideal care to all patients is the objective, nurses must have aptitude and ability in the conveyance of culturally proper and cultivation equipped nursing care. Each nurse must play a dynamic part in getting a data base whereupon to build up a social competency. The capacity to convey nursing care that will permit powerful communications
This can alleviate stress, which contributes to physical and emotional imbalance. Providing holistic care states Maier-Lorentz (2008), is defined as formulating a care plan that meets the individual needs of the patient. Leininger’s theory is the holistic model that supports such care and allows for advancement in transcultural nursing through research (Maier-Lorentz, 2008). To provide such care, while remaining culturally aware, the nurse must be void of any biases and stereotypes as a result of his or her own socialization. Lowe and Archibald (2009), state that there is no formulary approach in nursing practice to adequately deal with cultural diversity, because of preconceived notions and stereotypes. This practice has to be achieved through training and acquired knowledge. Training in providing culturally competent care promotes cultural self-awareness, knowledge of other cultures as well as recognizing the impact of culture on the nurse-patient relationship (Pesquera, Yoder & Lynk, 2008).
Being able to provide culturally competent care is a lifelong skill that improves a human life (Leininger, 1988). Learning about cultural difference as well as talking to the patient in order to learn more about his or her believe in practice may help provide cultural care. Caring for different cultures give the nurse a chance to learn about that patient’s cultures and values. The nursing care provider must provide trust, advocacy and privacy to the patient. Promoting health, wellness, preventing illness, and assisting in the healing and recovery process is the end result for every culturally sensitive nurse (Leininger, 2000).
To demonstrate understanding of how theories relate to and inform nursing is part of what it means to be an Advanced Practice Nurse. Analysis of how nursing theories inform one’s own practice is not only a way to identify responsibilities and opportunities as a nursing leader, it is also a means to build disciplinary knowledge. As Chinn and Kramer explain, “Once nursing practice is described, it is made visible… [this] imparts value to what has been intangible (2008, p. 23). By describing my personal clinical practice area, and providing an analysis of how nursing presence, interpersonal relations and caring theories can be utilized, I will attempt to accomplish all of the above.
The importance of nursing theory to practice of nursing should not be overlooked or underrated. That is because, it’s understanding and application are essential in enhancing patient 's care, improving communication between nurses, providing education’ and guidance in research, (Robert T. Croyle (2005). It is equally important to know that currently, there are many theories that guide the practice of nursing. Two of the most prominent ones will be compared and will form the subject of this this discussion.
Madeleine Leininger’s cultural care theory is one of the most influential modern day theories in nursing. Leininger describes her theory as one that is cultural sensitive that is tailored to address patients of different cultures, backgrounds, or origins. Leininger develops the cultural care theory due to the fact that she believes that nurses are caring for their patients as a one hat fits all, and not taking into consideration the patient 's background or their culture.
The premise of Madeleine Leininger ‘s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality is that one must regard his or her patient both holistically and with respect to the patient’s given cultural background. Leininger aims to establish a nurse-patient relationship in which communication and collaboration are culturally congruent. Via such interactions, a nurse can hypothetically deliver individualized, culturally competent care. However, while Leininger’s theory has many benefits and clear applicability in a multicultural society, its execution may fall short due to the predominating social norms and values held by larger society.
Nursing science provides the basis for professional nursing practice. Nursing theories provide the critical thinking structures to direct the clinical decision- making process of professional nursing practice. The relationship between theory, research, and practice is circular in nature. As new knowledge and discoveries emerge in each of these realms, the cutting edge of the art and science of the discipline of nursing evolves.