Theory Analysis of Madeline Leininger's Cultural Care Diversity and Universality Theory - Essay Example

Clarity/logical adequacy Examined from a simplistic perspective, it’s been demonstrated that this theoretical perspective generally examines the cultural aspects of the relationship between the nurse and client. In terms of specific care measures, Leidinger indicated that one of the primary factors was that of culturally congruent care. Within this element of practice there are a number of factors essential for culturally congruent care to be realized. The main factors in these regards are the development of a care program in-line with the client’s immediate needs.

For instance, “Thus all care modalities require coparticipation of the nurse and clients (consumers) working together to identify, plan, implement, and evaluate each caring mode for culturally congruent nursing care” (Leidinger pg. 62). Simplicity/Parsimony It’s argued that this theoretical perspective is not that of an overarching nursing theory, but instead simply offers theoretical insight into the nature of the cultural aspects of the nurse and client relationship without utilizing a reductionist methodology.

In further articulating her theoretical perspective, Leidinger advanced a number of simplified terminologies to better convey the theory of cultural diverse care. Within this mode of understanding some of the primary such definitions include the understanding of care as, “to assist others with real or anticipated needs in an effort to improve a human condition of concern or to face death” and that of cultural care accommodation as, “creative nursing actions that help people of a particular culture adapt to or negotiate with oth- ers in the healthcare community in an effort to attain the shared goal of an optimal health outcome for client(s) of a designated culture” (Leidinger pg. 8). These simplified definitions represent core elements of Leidinger’s theoretical perspective.

Generality In terms of generality, Madeleine Leidinger’s Cultural Care Diversity and Universailty theory has been indicated to embody characteristics of a substantive area of study and practice focused on comparative cultural care (caring) values, beliefs, and practices of individuals or groups of similar or different cultures with the goal of providing culture-specific and universal nursing care practices in promoting health or well-being or to help people to face unfavorable human conditions, illness, or death in culturally meaningful ways (Leidinger p. 58). This definition represents an overarching perspective of the Cultural Care Diversity and Universailty theory.

In addition to this overarching perspective, there are a number of general insights that go into this theoretical understanding. Within this perspective, generalized definitions of terminology are advanced that pragmatically function to create a world wherein the nursing practitioner can implement this theoretical knowledge. Within this spectrum some generalized perspective on nursing are advanced, some of the most pertinent include such maxims that define care as the essence and central focus of nursing; that culturally defined nursing practices are influenced by the entire world perspective and must be attended to in such a means possible as to allow for greatest collaborative effort between the nursing practitioner and client; that understanding cultural backgrounds and concerns includes remaining cognizant of individuals folk beliefs and practices and rather than criticizing or neglecting them, finds means of incorporating them into a culturally beneficial and diverse healing practice.

References Alligood, Martha. (2009) Nursing Theorists and Their Work. Mosby. Leidinger, Madeleine. (2005) Cultural Care Diversity & Universality. Jones and Bartlett.