Transcultural nursing in home health care: Learning to be culturally sensitive

Abstract

The culturally diverse backgrounds of our American society is reflected in the home health care nursing environment. Realizing that health and illness are both strongly influenced by the client's cultural background is the primary step in becoming culturally sensitive. Madeline Leininger coined the term "transcultural nursing" and developed the "Sunrise Model" to depict the theory of cultural care diversity and universality. The model presents the components of cultural and social dimensions that influence health care. The use of Leininger's model for home health care leads to the development of transcultural nursing actions and decisions that meet the client's health needs within the context of their environment. Learning to practice effectively within the transcultural client's subculture is essential for the home care professional. © 1997 Aspen Publishers, Inc.