Transcultural Nursing Theory
In a world of non-stop innovation and constant travel, the ability to recognize and embrace cultural
diversity is of utmost importance to all healthcare providers today, but especially in the nurse's
scope of care. Madeleine Leininger received the token of credit by pitching in the “Transcultural
Nursing Theory” or “Culture Care Theory”
Leininger (1999) created Transcultural Nursing Theory to be incorporated into nursing practice
foundations to maintain or regain the health of clients applying sensitivity to cultural beliefs.
Leininger ’ s Transcultural Nursing theory focuses on bringing the health practices learned in
nursing school and applying them to the cultural backgrounds of clients (Leininger, 1999). She saw
the need to improve the care she offered her patients. Leininger believed cultural factors and
humanistic care in nursing would improve upon patient outcomes (Leininger, 1999). Through her
belief that curing cannot happen without caring, Leininger formed Transcultural Nursing Theory to
educate the nursing field in the holistic needs of patients (Leininger, 1999). As the world of nursing
continues to grow, the nurse must be more aware of the cultural needs of their clients. From basic
bedside cares, to implementing policies and procedures, cultural sensitive care will improve
quality.
In conclusion, learning the cultural background of your patients immensely improve the quality of
care received by the client. Even if it goes by the test of times, the theory was ahead of its time
improving the necessary benefits with cultural nursing care from their basic needs to the most
advanced one.