Transcultural Nursing Theory Paper

The U.S. population, for the first time in its history, will become a majority-minority by 2043 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). The nation’s population will become more racially and ethnically diverse (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). For over a half of a century, nurses have recognize the importance of cultural diversity in clinical settings and attempted to deliver culturally sensitive and congruent care to racially and ethnically diverse populations (DeNisco & Barker, 2016). It is recognized that nurses at all levels, need to respond to the diversity of the population (Stewart & DeNisco, 2015). Clients are entitled to culturally competent care and nurses must be prepared to deliver such care (Prosen, 2015). The American Association of College of Nursing (AACN) considers cultural competence as an important component to advanced practice nurses’ (APNs) education and preparedness (AACN, 2011).
Dr. Madeleine Leininger, a nurse anthropologist, developed the transcultural nursing theory in the 1960s (DeNisco & Barker, 2016). Transcultural nursing theory is defined as “a formal area of study and practice focused on comparative human-care (caring) differences and
As the U.S. becomes a more diverse nation, it is the duty and role of APNs to become knowledgeable about different races, cultures and ethnicities to provide culturally competent and individualized care to client populations. Competent APNs can influence health population by reducing health barriers related to racial and ethnic health disparities (Stewart & DeNisco, 2015). This theory has guided nurses in improving client care through the development of nursing knowledge and skills (Prosen, 2015). Understanding patient’s cultural beliefs, preferences and care expectations as well as one’s own biases will allow healthcare providers to provide equity health care and improve health outcomes (Clark,