Nursing Theory: Name of Theorist and Background
Nurse Practitioners (NPs) can borrow numerous concepts and elements from nursing theories to improve the health outcomes of their clients. It is appropriate for healthcare workers to be aware of some of the grand and mid-range nursing theories. I believe that I can use different nursing theories to come up with an effective healthcare delivery model. One of the theories that are appropriate for my practice setting is Madeleine Leininger’s Transcultural Nursing Theory (McFarland & Wehbe-Alamah, 2014). This theory is meaningful because it can guide me to deliver evidence-based care to more clients from diverse backgrounds.
Madeleine Leininger is admired by many professionals in nursing because of her contributions to the field. The transcultural concept in nursing gained much attention because of the works of Leininger. The theorist’s background is believed to have impacted the development of this nursing model. Born on 13th July 1925, Leininger pursued her dreams tirelessly to transform the health outcomes of many people. She “pursued her diploma in nursing from St. Anthony’s Hospital School of Nursing” (McFarland & Wehbe-Alamah, 2014, p. 27). She later obtained her bachelor’s degree from Creighton University (McFarland & Wehbe-Alamah, 2014). She earned a Master of Science in Nursing from the Catholic University of America (McFarland & Wehbe-Alamah, 2014). She later earned a PhD in the year 1966 (McFarland & Wehbe-Alamah, 2014). The idea to come up with the Transcultural Nursing Theory emerged at the time she was studying social and cultural anthropology for her PhD (McFarland & Wehbe-Alamah, 2014). The knowledge gained from the study encouraged her to analyze the issue of cultural differences in healthcare practice from a critical perspective. She also took up a wide range of lecturing and teaching jobs. These practices equipped her with new concepts that led to the development of the Transcultural Nursing Theory.
Leininger’s theory is believed to have evolved systematically based on her ideas and studies. This knowledge can be obtained from the books written by the theorist. The book “Culture Care Diversity and Universality” published in 1991 explored the importance of diversity in medical practice. In this text, the author acknowledged the fact that differences occur in nursing because people come from diverse backgrounds. The synthesized theory was published in another book titled “Transcultural Nursing”. The book came up with a powerful model that focused on the best nursing practices that are appropriate whenever dealing with patients from diverse backgrounds. These works led to the refinement of the Transcultural Nursing Theory in 2002.
Leininger’s nursing model addressed various concerns or problems that had been ignored for decades. Before the 1990s, many nurses were not aware of the unique role of culture in healthcare practice. Most of the practitioners during the time we’re unable to offer quality care depending on the unique needs of their patients from diverse populations. During that time, the demographics of the United States were changing significantly. That being the case, the theory emerged as a powerful model for understanding and addressing the diversity experienced in nursing (McFarland & Wehbe-Alamah, 2014). The theory appreciated the fact that patients possessed diverse spiritual needs, cultural values, and religious beliefs. The most appropriate nursing philosophy should put these aspects into consideration.
Theory Description
The theorist uses deductive reasoning to come up with the model. This kind of approach begins with a general understanding or rule. This understanding is then developed further to come up with the theoretical framework. From the very beginning, Madeleine Leininger acknowledges that every person belongs to a given culture. That being the case, a person’s culture influences his or her behaviors, health outcomes, healing processes, and communication channels. The deductive approach is taken further to acknowledge the fact that healthcare workers should be ready to study the unique aspects and cultural attributes of their respective patients (Axford, 2015). This information is used to develop the transcultural model for effective nursing practice. The deductive approach, therefore, empowered Leininger to come up with the theory.
Several concepts have been used by the scholar to develop the theory. The first outstanding concept is that cultural competence is something meaningful in nursing. The theorist goes further to indicate that cultural knowledge is vital whenever delivering patient care. The other concept revolves around the ideas of wellbeing and illness. According to the theorist, wellness and illness are influenced by a patient’s social and cultural attributes. The other powerful concept is that “culture will influence all the major spheres of human life” (Axford, 2015, p. 6). Culture is also described as a powerful force that guides or dictates human behaviors. Nurses, therefore, should be aware of these attributes to offer effective and quality support to their clients (Viadas, 2015). This analysis reveals that the concepts have been defined operationally. This is the case because the notions are guided by the informed understanding and knowledge of the author. The description of concepts is also guided by the key definitions of the theory such as religion, culture, cultural competence, wellbeing, and intercultural communication. This is a clear indication that the use of terms and concepts in the theory is consistent.
The concepts described above have been defined explicitly. This is the case because Leininger uses direct descriptions depending on the meaning of the key definitions in the concepts. For example, the aspect of transcultural nursing borrows a lot from culture, inclusiveness, and cultural competence (Prosen, 2015). The author indicates clearly that culture is something that will always dictate human behaviors and health outcomes. This is an explicit idea that cannot be refuted. The theorist goes further to explain how and why nurses should be aware of a population’s culture to be able to deliver evidence-based care (Viadas, 2015). Human beings use their cultural values and ideas to reshape their behaviors. This definition makes it easier for the theorist to come up with unique definitions that can be taken seriously by nurses who want to apply the model in their health practices (Axford, 2015). Some of these definitions include “trans-cultural practice, cultural awareness, cultural risks, acculturation, diversity, and ethnicity” (Axford, 2015, p. 7).
Leininger’s theory of nursing has several propositions that can be used by practitioners who want to maximize their patients’ outcomes. To develop the propositions, the theorist relies on the outlined concepts and key terms. The first proposition is that nurses should be on the frontline to study the cultural aspects of the patient and deliver evidence-based care (Larson, 2014). The second proposition is that nurses should develop powerful plans that can meet the changing needs of the patients. Nurses should go further to design unique care delivery philosophies depending on the aspects of the targeted cultural groups. These propositions borrow the ideas outlined in the presented concepts (Viadas, 2015). That being the case, the concepts and propositions of the theory can guide nurses to understand and appreciate the values, cultural aspects, and beliefs of the targeted patients. This strategy will result in the development of a powerful health promotion model. Nurses and practitioners who fail to embrace these attributes will find it hard to meet the changing health needs of diverse populations.
Evaluation
Leininger presents both explicit and implicit beliefs in the theory. The assumptions and beliefs are defined clearly to inform nursing practice (Prosen, 2015). The first assumption is that nurses should focus on the cultural values, beliefs, and notions of their respective clients. The second one is that nursing should be implemented as a transcultural practice that is capable of addressing the needs of diverse populations (Larson, 2014). Another belief is that nurses should acknowledge that individuals from diverse backgrounds require different care models. These beliefs are founded on the premise that global cultures have similar health needs but practices. This is the case because cultures are characterized by different languages, cultural values, religious beliefs, and care delivery models (Viadas, 2015). When these assumptions are embraced, Leininger believes strongly that nurses can find it easier to address the changing needs of their patients.
Madeleine Leininger’s theory does not describe the four meta-paradigms of nursing. However, the unique elements described in the theory echo the meta-paradigms of nursing. To begin with, health is considered as the ultimate goal that should be targeted by nurses who provide culturally competent care (Larson, 2014). The second meta-paradigm is the patient or human being. This concept is supported by some of the concepts of the theory such as cultural groups, personal beliefs, and families. The ultimate goal of nursing should, therefore, be to deliver quality care that is congruent with the needs of individuals depending on their cultural backgrounds. The other aspect is the environment. The theory describes this meta-paradigm using different elements such as social structures, cultural practices, and diversity (Axford, 2015). The author of the theory believes strongly that cultural practices constitute the environment and eventually dictates the health outcomes of every patient. The fourth meta-paradigm is nursing. Leininger’s theory describes nursing as a powerful practice that focuses on the cultural attributes and perspectives of targeted clients. These elements can, therefore, guide nurses to apply the theory by the four meta-paradigms of nursing.
Leininger’s Transcultural Nursing Theory is a powerful model that is supported by explicit concepts and definitions. The major terms used to develop the theory have been defined and analyzed professionally. The concepts are described clearly and accurately. By so doing, the theorist managed to come up with powerful propositions that make the theory applicable in different healthcare settings (Viadas, 2015). The author goes further to describe how propositions can be applied in a wide range of healthcare settings. For instance, the theory can guide nurses to analyze the cultural attributes of their clients, embrace traditional healing procedures, support the use of multidisciplinary teams, and collaborate with underserved populations (Betancourt, 2015). The elements have been defined clearly. These aspects, therefore, show clearly that the aspects of the theory are presented consistently. Nurses can, therefore, embrace these elements, propositions, and attributes to come up with a powerful healthcare delivery philosophy.
Application
Nurses can benefit significantly from Leininger’s theory. This is the case because the theory outlines several concepts, ideas, and propositions that can be used to design a powerful nursing philosophy. NPS is always expected to become leaders who can promote sustainable practices and eventually support the wellbeing of their patients. Within the past century, human beings have been migrating from one region to another. Consequently, cultural diversity has become a reality in every part of the world (Betancourt, 2015). These cultural groups will always need quality medical care and support. That being the case, nurses should be ready to meet the needs of their patients from diverse backgrounds. The Transcultural Nursing Theory is therefore a powerful framework that guides nurses to implement appropriate processes that can maximize patient outcomes.
The theory is guided by powerful concepts and propositions that are applicable in different healthcare settings. For instance, cultural competence is a powerful concept that can be embraced in every institution. Caregivers who possess this concept will be able to analyze the religious values, cultural attributes, and social behaviors of their respective clients. This knowledge will make it easier for nurses to develop powerful models that can deliver quality support to more patients (Larson, 2014). This theory is a powerful model that can guide and inform nursing actions. The knowledge can empower nurses to develop evidence-based practices and strategies that can support the emerging needs of their clients. The theory is appropriate for NPs, physicians, psychiatrists, clinicians, and family nurse practitioners (FNPs). The propositions can, therefore, be embraced to develop evidence-based practices depending on the unique needs of the targeted patients. When more nurses become proficient providers of culturally competent care, it will be easier to transform the field and maximize the outcomes of every underserved population.
As a Nurse Practitioner (NP), I strongly believe that Leininger’s theory of transcultural nursing will support my career goals. To begin with, the theory guides me to begin by acknowledging the fact that the cultural affiliation and social practices of a given population will influence its health outcomes. With this understanding, I can go further to identify the unique behaviors and risk factors that are associated with various diseases. This knowledge will make it easier for me to develop a powerful philosophy that can influence the health outcomes of my patients (Betancourt, 2015). The concept of lifelong learning appears to emerge from this theory. This is the case because nurses should seek new ideas in an attempt to improve their models. I will, therefore, use the model to analyze the cultural needs and attributes of my clients. The knowledge gained from this theory can be expanded further to develop new concepts in nursing. For instance, the theory can encourage me to embrace the power of teamwork to deliver culturally competent care to targeted patients. The theory supports the use of evidence-based approaches depending on the emerging concepts and needs of the targeted patients (Larson, 2014). I will also embrace the power of multidisciplinary teams to ensure more patients from diverse backgrounds receive quality nursing support. These aspects will inform my practice as an NP.
References
Axford, R. (2015). Nursing education and practice: What cultural competency can teach us. Scientific Cooperations Medical Workshops, 1(1), 1-10. Web.
Betancourt, D. (2015). Madeleine Leininger and the Transcultural Theory of nursing. The Downtown Review, 2(1), 1-7. Web.
Larson, M. (2014). Cultural immersion and compassionate care in a study abroad course: The Greek connection. Journal of Compassionate Health Care, 1(8), 1-13. Web.
McFarland, M., & Wehbe-Alamah, H. (2014). Leininger’s culture care diversity and universality. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Prosen, M. (2015). Introducing trans-cultural nursing education: Implementation of Transcultural Nursing in the postgraduate nursing curriculum. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 174(12), 149-155. Web.
Viadas, C. (2015). Historic perspectives from anthropology: Reflections proposed to Transcultural Nursing. Investigación y Educación en Enfermería, 33(2), 374-379. Web.