Mrs. Franklin-Jones was admitted from the Emergency Room to Cardiac Intensive Care one week ago with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. She has recovered as expected and is moving to the cardiac step down unit today

Mrs. Franklin-Jones was admitted from the Emergency Room to Cardiac Intensive Care one week ago with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. She has recovered as expected and is moving to the cardiac step down unit today. She is talking with Nurse Julie Hernandez, as she gets settled in her new room, “I was really surprised when I got that bad pain in my chest! I knew I had high pressure but I just didn’t think it was that bad. I try to take my medicine like they told me to in the clinic but sometimes I forget. I guess that I need to study those papers they gave me about what foods I should eat and not eat. I better take care of myself! Momma had bad pressure and it killed her! Who knows—I may even have to learn to cook different than I was taught in Jamaica! I may have to let Tomas do the cooking. He’s got more time at home now than I do since he lost his job. There isn’t too much time between my shifts at the school cafeteria and my new housecleaning job. You know my sister is coming up from Jamaica to see me. I think she is bringing me some bush tea. That’ll set me right!”

• Using Leininger’s Culture Care Model, what factors in the story shared by Mrs. Franklin-Jones should be considered by Nurse Hernandez when planning for the patient’s discharge?
• Why is the theory of Culture Care Diversity important in the delivery of nursing care for all patients?
• Using Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality, develop a plan of care for Mrs. Franklin-Jones.
• Discuss the strengths and limits to Leininger’s Theory.

ANSWER

The Importance of Cultural Diversity in Nursing Care: Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care

When planning for Mrs. Franklin-Jones’s discharge, Nurse Hernandez should consider several factors highlighted in the story using Leininger’s Culture Care Model. Leininger’s theory emphasizes the importance of cultural factors in healthcare delivery, recognizing that individuals’ beliefs, values, and practices are deeply rooted in their cultural backgrounds.

Firstly, Nurse Hernandez should acknowledge Mrs. Franklin-Jones’s cultural beliefs and practices related to healthcare. Mrs. Franklin-Jones mentions her surprise at experiencing chest pain despite knowing about her high blood pressure. Understanding her cultural background from Jamaica, Nurse Hernandez can explore Mrs. Franklin-Jones’s perceptions of illness, medication, and healthcare practices. By doing so, Nurse Hernandez can address any misconceptions, provide culturally congruent education, and encourage adherence to medication and treatment plans.

Secondly, Nurse Hernandez should consider the cultural influence on Mrs. Franklin-Jones’s dietary habits. Mrs. Franklin-Jones mentions the need to study the papers provided about foods to eat and avoid. Given that Mrs. Franklin-Jones may need to alter her cooking practices, Nurse Hernandez should assess her dietary preferences, traditional food choices, and any dietary restrictions that may be influenced by her cultural background. This understanding will enable Nurse Hernandez to provide dietary recommendations that align with Mrs. Franklin-Jones’s cultural preferences, ensuring a higher likelihood of adherence.

Moreover, Nurse Hernandez should consider the role of family and social support in Mrs. Franklin-Jones’s care. Mrs. Franklin-Jones mentions her husband, Tomas, who may take on the cooking responsibilities due to his job loss. Nurse Hernandez should assess the family dynamics and support systems to involve them in the care plan effectively. Engaging family members and recognizing their cultural beliefs and roles can enhance the patient’s recovery and long-term adherence to the care plan.

Additionally, the upcoming visit from Mrs. Franklin-Jones’s sister from Jamaica highlights the significance of social connections and cultural practices in her life. Nurse Hernandez should explore the potential benefits of social support from Mrs. Franklin-Jones’s sister and the role of “bush tea” in her cultural tradition. By incorporating these cultural elements into the plan of care, Nurse Hernandez can facilitate a sense of comfort and emotional well-being for Mrs. Franklin-Jones.

The theory of Culture Care Diversity is important in the delivery of nursing care for all patients because it recognizes and respects the uniqueness of each individual’s cultural background (Swihart, 2022). Culture significantly shapes a person’s perception of health, illness, and healthcare practices. By understanding and incorporating cultural factors into care, nurses can provide patient-centered and culturally sensitive interventions, leading to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality can guide the development of a comprehensive plan of care for Mrs. Franklin-Jones. 

The plan should consider the following:

Cultural assessment

Conduct a thorough cultural assessment to understand Mrs. Franklin-Jones’s cultural beliefs, values, practices, and expectations related to healthcare. This assessment should explore her perceptions of illness, treatment, diet, and family dynamics.

Culturally congruent education

Provide education that aligns with Mrs. Franklin-Jones’s cultural beliefs and practices. Use culturally appropriate teaching strategies and materials to explain her medical condition, medication regimen, dietary modifications, and the importance of adherence to treatment plans.

Collaboration with family

Involve Mrs. Franklin-Jones’s husband, Tomas, and other family members in the care plan. Understand their cultural roles, values, and beliefs to establish effective communication and support mechanisms. Encourage family participation in cooking and meal planning to ensure culturally appropriate dietary modifications.

Integration of cultural practices

 Respect and incorporate Mrs. Franklin-Jones’s cultural practices, such as the consumption of bush tea, into her care plan. Recognize the potential benefits of these practices in promoting her well-being and explore ways to integrate them alongside evidence-based interventions.

Support systems

Facilitate social support by encouraging Mrs. Franklin-Jones’s sister’s visit and involvement in her care. Recognize the emotional significance of family connections and cultural traditions, promoting a sense of comfort and familiarity during her recovery process.

Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity has several strengths that contribute to its significance in nursing practice. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of cultural competence and sensitivity, promoting holistic and patient-centered care. By recognizing and respecting cultural diversity, nurses can establish trust, enhance communication, and tailor interventions to individual needs (Leininger, 2002). This approach leads to improved patient satisfaction, compliance, and health outcomes.

Secondly, the theory highlights the need for ongoing cultural assessment, ensuring that care plans are continuously updated and individualized. By considering cultural factors, nurses can better understand patients’ health beliefs, values, and practices, leading to more effective interventions and improved patient outcomes.

However, Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity also has limitations. One limitation is the potential for oversimplification or generalization of cultural groups, as it is challenging to capture the full complexity and diversity within each culture (Baldonado et al., 1998). Nurses must approach each patient as an individual, recognizing that cultural beliefs and practices may vary even within the same cultural background.

Another limitation is the potential for cultural stereotypes or biases to influence care delivery. Nurses must be aware of their own cultural biases and continuously strive to provide culturally sensitive care without making assumptions or stereotypes about patients based on their cultural backgrounds.

In conclusion, Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity is a valuable framework that helps nurses understand and integrate cultural factors into the delivery of care. By considering Mrs. Franklin-Jones’s cultural beliefs, dietary practices, and social support systems, Nurse Hernandez can develop a culturally congruent plan of care. However, it is important to acknowledge the strengths and limitations of Leininger’s theory, utilizing it as a guide while recognizing the uniqueness of each patient and promoting individualized care that respects their cultural diversity.

References

Baldonado, A., Beymer, P. L., Barnes, K., Starsiak, D. J., Nemivant, E. B., & Anonas-Ternate, A. (1998). Transcultural Nursing Practice Described by Registered Nurses and Baccalaureate Nursing Students. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 9(2), 15–25. https://doi.org/10.1177/104365969800900204 

Leininger, M. (2002). Culture Care Theory: A Major Contribution to Advance Transcultural Nursing Knowledge and Practices. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 13(3), 189–192. https://doi.org/10.1177/10459602013003005 

Swihart, D. L. (2022, November 14). Cultural Religious Competence in Clinical Practice. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493216/