Question

Based on your current understanding of the two theories, Jean Watson's Philosophy and Theory of Transpersonal Caring and Madeline Leininger's Culture Care Theory of Diversity and Universality which theorist, Watson or Leininger, resonates most with your view of nursing? Provide an example.

Answer 1

In my view Leininger's Culture Care Throry of Diversity and Universality applies to caring of patient.

This theory focuses on the fact that different cultures have different caring behavior and different health or illness values, belief, and pattern of behavior. It involves the understanding of different cultures when it comes to nursing and health-illness caring practices, with the goal to provide efficient nursing care services to people according to their cultural values, belief and illness

Culturally competent care includes Knowledge,attitude and skill that support caring for people across different languages and cultures. Culture influences not only health practices but also how the healthcare provider and the patient perceive illness.

Knowledge is being cognizant of the culture base of those in your service area, such as the shared traditions and values of that group. Being aware of your patients' ethnicity—common genetic elements shared by people of the same ancestry—is also important. For example, the epidemiology, manifestation of disease, and effects of medications vary in different ethnic groups. In fact, there's a whole area of study called ethnopharmacology that explores how different medications affect people from various ethnic groups. Research is also being conducted into how cultural beliefs impact medication choice and use.

Next, it's important to address Attitude to evolve into a culturally competent caregiver. Becoming aware of how culture influences individual behavior and thinking allows you to plan the best care for your patients. Awareness of the rules of interactions within a specific cultural group, such as communication patterns and customs, division of roles in the family unit, and spirituality, will help you better understand the attitudes of your patients. Additionally, becoming aware of your own attitudes and tendencies to stereotype with regard to different cultural groups allows you to provide genuine care and concern.

Finally, you can develop a Skill set that increases cultural competency. Learn ways of communicating that best allow your patient to understand the plan of care. For example, developing cultural competency skills can involve assisting non–English-speaking patients with a translator or changing the phrases and words you use when explaining care. It also involves learning to adapt to new and different situations in a flexible way. Remember that the hospital environment may not be familiar ground for your patients, especially when it's outside the realm of their cultural identity.