Name
Chamberlain University
NR-501: Theoretical Basis for Advanced Nursing Practice
Prof. Name
Date
Among the various cultural and caring theories in nursing, the Purnell Model for Cultural Competence resonates most strongly with my future practice as a nurse practitioner. This model emphasizes the need to recognize cultural diversity while providing care, ensuring that treatment plans are designed with respect for individual beliefs, values, and practices (Purnell, 2018).
Growing up in the United States as a child of Indian immigrants gave me personal exposure to cultural adaptation. While my brother and I adapted relatively easily, my parents found the transition more difficult. This experience helped me recognize that cultural awareness extends beyond patient care—it also includes respect for healthcare professionals and an acknowledgment of diverse family dynamics.
The Purnell Model integrates the nursing paradigm by focusing on four essential components: person, family, community, and global society. It divides cultural awareness into 12 domains such as communication, family roles, spirituality, healthcare practices, and nutrition, which guide healthcare providers in making culturally sensitive decisions (Purnell, 2018). By applying these domains, nurse practitioners can avoid stereotyping and instead treat each patient as a unique individual.
The nursing paradigm is built on person, health, environment, and nursing. The Purnell Model connects seamlessly to this paradigm because:
Person – Each patient is viewed as an individual influenced by culture.
Health – Cultural practices affect health perceptions and behaviors.
Environment – Community and family roles shape the care environment.
Nursing – Care delivery is guided by cultural knowledge, respect, and sensitivity.
By aligning with these principles, the Purnell Model enhances patient-centered care and ensures that cultural factors are central to treatment planning.
The National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) require healthcare systems to implement strategies that ensure equitable, understandable, and respectful care (Narayan, 2017). The Purnell Model supports CLAS standards through:
CLAS Standard | Application of Purnell Model |
---|---|
Governance & Leadership | Encourages culturally sensitive decision-making at organizational levels |
Workforce Development | Provides education on cultural domains for healthcare staff |
Communication & Language Services | Promotes understanding of language barriers and cultural communication styles |
Continuous Quality Improvement | Guides ongoing cultural competence training and evaluation |
By implementing this model, healthcare professionals not only provide culturally competent care but also make patients feel valued and respected, improving trust and compliance.
I particularly identify with the communication and family roles/domains within the Purnell Model. Many patients rely on family members in decision-making, and respecting those dynamics is crucial for effective care planning. Additionally, understanding communication differences—such as eye contact, gestures, or language preferences—prevents misunderstandings and builds stronger nurse-patient relationships.
I also value the emphasis on lifelong learning within this model. Cultural competence is not a one-time achievement but a continuous process. Each patient encounter offers new opportunities to grow, adapt, and integrate cultural respect into care.
This week, I achieved the objectives by exploring and analyzing cultural and caring theories, particularly the Purnell Model. I reflected on how cultural competence can be integrated into advanced nursing practice.
For example, in reviewing cultural perspectives, I realized the importance of tailoring care plans that respect a patient’s traditions, dietary preferences, and spiritual needs. Such awareness not only improves patient satisfaction but also strengthens trust in the nurse-patient relationship.
During this week’s learning, I was challenged to re-examine my assumptions about cultural similarities and differences. Although I value inclusivity, I realized that sometimes unconscious bias may interfere with my practice. This reflection encouraged me to approach patients with even greater humility and openness.
I reaffirm the core nursing value of caring, which extends beyond physical treatment to include emotional, cultural, and social aspects of health. I also recognize the importance of respect for diversity—each patient’s background shapes their health choices and care expectations.
Additionally, I plan to reconsider how I incorporate patient autonomy and shared decision-making into care. By respecting patient preferences shaped by culture, I can foster more meaningful and effective partnerships.
Yes, teaching and applying cultural theories more frequently would be extremely helpful in nursing education and practice. Exposure to cultural models provides nurses with the tools to navigate diverse patient populations. Cultural competence promotes:
Better communication between patients and providers.
Improved trust in healthcare professionals.
Higher quality of care and increased patient satisfaction.
Recognition and acceptance of diversity, reducing health disparities.
The more healthcare professionals engage with cultural theories, the better prepared they are to deliver equitable care across communities.
While the Purnell Model resonates strongly with me, I also appreciate the Person-Centered Nursing (PCN) framework developed by McCormack and McCance (2006). This framework emphasizes the individuality of patients, promoting dignity, respect, and partnership in care. Unlike theories that focus primarily on diagnosis, PCN highlights the importance of viewing patients as whole persons with unique needs and preferences.
McCormack, B., & McCance, T. (2006). Development of a framework for person-centered nursing. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 56(5), 472–479. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2006.04042.x
Narayan, M. C. (2017). Strategies for implementing the national standards for culturally and linguistically appropriate services in home health care. Home Health Care Management & Practice, 29(3), 168–175. https://doi.org/10.1177/1084822317700363
Purnell, L. (2018). Update: The Purnell Theory and Model for culturally competent health care. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 30(2), 98–105. https://doi.org/10.1177/1043659618817587