Discussion
One of the most significant mid-range theories of nursing is the Madeleine Leininger’s Theory of Transcultural Nursing. The theory falls in the middle-range category because it accesses the total picture of a phenomenon.
The assumptions underpinning the theory
Theories are imaginary concepts that help in generating and guiding practice in a research making most theorists base their theories on assumptions. The Leininger’s Theory of Transcultural Nursing aims at promoting a culture of care and ensuring universal delivery of care (Leininger & National League for Nursing, 2001). The theory operates under a number of assumptions that expound on the use of some terms such as care, worldview, cultural care diversity, cultural and social structures, and health among many other terms. First, the theory assumes that care is an important element of focus in the practice of nursing. Second, caring plays a critical role in promoting health and well-being, growth, healing, and survival of a patient. Third, the theory assumes that the primary role of a nurse is to serve human beings at times of illness, sickness, and death. Fourth, the theory assumes that curing only occurs when one receives care. Finally, the theory assumes that worldview, religion, social, political, economic and language factors influence cultural care values, practices, and beliefs (Sitzman & Eichelberger, 2011).
Application of the theory in research
The concept of Transcultural nursing aims at addressing cultural dynamics in the present health care environment that influence nurse-patient relationship. The Theory of Transcultural Nursing finds a lot of application in nursing research. Delivering quality and safe care requires adequate knowledge and understanding of health needs of diverse populations. Nurses conduct studies to investigate factors that influence the quality of care and using the Transcultural theoretical approach helps understand cultural factors affecting health care delivery.
On the other hand, the application of the theory in research helps establish the gap between traditional medical practices and modern medical practices and come up with an evidence-based practice aimed at encouraging nurses to adopt cultural competence as one of the major requirements in caring for diverse communities today. According to Hamric, Spross, & Hanson (2008), the Transcultural Theoretical model establishes the relationship between mental, physical and spiritual health that lacked in traditional theoretical models.
References
Hamric, A. B., Spross, J. A., & Hanson, C. M. (2008). Advanced Practice Nursing: An
Integrative Approach. London: Elsevier Health Sciences.
Leininger, M. M., & National League for Nursing. (2001). Culture care diversity and
universality: A theory of nursing. Boston: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
Sitzman, K., & Eichelberger, L. W. (2011). Madeleine Leininger’s culture care: Diversity and
Universality theory, In Understanding the work of nurse theorists: A creative beginning. Sudbury, Mass: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.
