Purpose, Comment, And Discussion: Which Theory Speaks To You

Purpose Comment The Discussion Which Theory Speaks To Your Advanced

Purpose: Comment the Discussion ( Which theory speaks to your advanced nursing practice?)

Thing to Remember: • Answer this discussion with opinions/ideas creatively and clearly. Supports post using several outside, peer-reviewed sources. • 1 References, find resources that are 5 years or less • No errors with APA format 6 Edition

Discussion: ( Which theory speaks to your advanced nursing practice?)

One of the theorists that speaks to my nursing practice is Madeleine Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality otherwise known as transcultural nursing. The theory of transcultural nursing promotes understanding of both the universally held and common understandings of care among humans and the culture-specific caring beliefs and behaviors that define any particular caring context of interaction (Butts & Rich, 2018, p. 572). Culture is the specific pattern of behavior that distinguishes any society from others and gives meaning to human expressions of care (McFarland & Wehbe-Alamah, 2015). This theory is intended to view the patient as a whole being. As an APN, this theory will allow me to be considerate of my patient’s needs. In turn, they will feel respected and listened to and hopefully this will promote a long-lasting relationship.

Leininger discovered that inadequate knowledge of cultural factors represented a missing link in her ability to provide care (Nelson, 2006). As a future APN, I recognize the need and sometimes missing component of culture care nursing in our women’s health practice today. For example, in South Dakota we have a lot of Native American reservations. Since we see a number of Native American women, I think it would be beneficial for me to better understand their culture and beliefs related to healthcare in order to offer these women expert care. Also, with Leininger’s transcultural nursing theory she believes seeing the patient as a whole and to appreciate that the patient represents a complex constellation of physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual, social, environmental, and economic factors that interact and contribute to the patient’s unique wholeness and influence their ability to participate in health promotion, health maintenance, and disease modifying activities (McFarland & Eipperle, 2008).

As an APN, by viewing the patient as a whole and recognizing their diversities, I will provide better patient care in which caring will be the main focus and recognizing that their different beliefs and cultures play a part in their decision making to the different treatment options.

Paper For Above instruction

The evolution of advanced nursing practice emphasizes the integration of comprehensive theoretical frameworks to enhance patient care. Among these, Madeleine Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality stands out as a pivotal guiding principle that aligns with the holistic and culturally competent approach essential for modern advanced nursing practice. Her theory emphasizes understanding the cultural dimensions that influence health behaviors and care preferences, advocating for a patient-centered approach that respects individual cultural identities while promoting health outcomes.

Leininger’s transcultural nursing theory underscores the importance of viewing patients as whole persons embedded within their cultural contexts. This perspective is crucial for advanced practice nurses (APNs) who operate in diverse healthcare settings. Recognizing the significance of culture-specific beliefs and practices allows APNs to deliver culturally competent care that respects patient autonomy and enhances therapeutic relationships. For instance, in rural or underserved communities such as Native American reservations in South Dakota, understanding cultural values related to health, illness, and healing can significantly improve the effectiveness of nursing interventions.

Research indicates that culturally tailored interventions lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, and more effective health promotion (Campinha-Bacote, 2011). Culturally competent care involves not only being aware of cultural differences but also actively integrating this knowledge into clinical practice. Leininger's theory advocates for this integration by encouraging nurses to study cultural care expressions and develop culturally congruent care models that support the patient's unique needs (McFarland & Wehbe-Alamah, 2015).

Implementing Leininger’s cultural care framework in advanced practice settings can lead to improved health promotion strategies. For example, certain Native American communities may have traditional beliefs regarding pregnancy and childbirth, which differ from Western medical practices. An APN familiar with these cultural nuances can tailor education and interventions that honor these beliefs, thereby fostering trust and cooperation. Such culturally sensitive care is particularly pertinent in women's health, where beliefs and practices significantly influence health-seeking behaviors and treatment adherence.

Further, the emphasis on cultural competence aligns with the trend towards personalized medicine and holistic health care. APNs are positioned to serve as advocates for cultural awareness among healthcare teams and to incorporate cultural assessments into routine patient evaluations. These assessments can identify barriers to care and facilitate the development of individualized, culturally appropriate care plans (Szenas-Napoli & Portela, 2019).

In addition, Leininger’s theory guides the development of educational programs for nurses and APNs that enhance cultural competence. This can include training on cultural awareness, communication skills, and knowledge of traditional healing practices. Such education fosters a deeper understanding of patients' cultural backgrounds, leading to more empathetic and effective care delivery (Giger & Davidhizar, 2013).

Ultimately, adopting Leininger’s transcultural nursing theory supports the overarching goals of advanced nursing practice: delivering holistic, patient-centered, culturally appropriate care that improves health outcomes and respects individual diversity. As healthcare becomes more globalized and diverse, the importance of cultural competence in nursing will continue to grow. Leininger’s framework provides a vital foundation for nurses to meet these emerging challenges effectively.

References

• Campinha-Bacote, J. (2011). Delivering patient-centered care in the midst of a cultural diversity and health disparities revolution: The challenge for healthcare organizations. Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 16(3).
• Giger, J. N., & Duwi, E. (2013). Giger & Davidhizar’s Transcultural Assessment Model (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.
• McFarland, M., & Wehbe-Alamah, H. (2015). Culture care diversity and universality: A worldwide nursing theory. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
• Nelson, J. (2006). Madeleine Leininger’s culture care theory: The theory of culture care diversity and universality. International Journal for Human Caring, 10(4), 50-56.
• Szenas-Napoli, N., & Portela, L. F. (2019). Cultural competence and nursing: An integrative review. Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem, 27:e3172.