Transcultural Health Care: A Culturally Competent Approach, 3rd edition
ISBN-13:9780803618657. Paperback, 427 pages, US $48.95. Larry D. Purnell & Betty J. Paulanka; Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Publishing Company, 2008
* Reviewed by:
Evelinda Camancho, MSN, RN
Quality Management Specialist Orlando
VA Medical Center Orlando, Florida
(e-mail: [email protected])
This book identifies the important aspects in the communication process within the culturally diverse populations. Part 1 acknowledges the need for culturally competent health clinicians. Part 2 introduces the reader to the Purnell's Model for Cultural Competence. Part 3 describes the cultural background of different ethnic populations. The authors stress the importance of acknowledging health beliefs as well as the social and religious foundations of the diverse population.
This book was written for the purpose of exposing healthcare providers, educators, administrators, and students with the need for using a culturally sensitive approach to patients and their families to ensure safety, appropriateness, and quality of care. The concepts of bioculture, autonomy, family roles, and heritage are very well defined in Chapter 2 using the Purnell's Model for Cultural Competence. This model integrates all the concepts needed to achieve understanding of cross-cultural dimensions using a holistic approach. The author's framework can be used in different areas of clinical practice and as a guide to self-assess one's own competency in cultural diversity knowledge. This self-assessment may reveal the areas in cultural knowledge and its impact on the daily tasks and encounters with other cultures that need reinforcement. The authors describe the Domains of Culture in a very explicit manner to enable the reader to absorb the roots of unique cultures. The description of each of the ethnocultural regions discussed in Chapter 3 gives details of beliefs, customs, and habits that were the foundation of the cultural background of many immigrants. Understanding the etiology of these regional areas assists the healthcare worker to develop the ability to establish an effective caring relationship with individuals of this ethnicity in the promotion of health and prevention of diseases, especially in a modern society largely composed of culturally diverse populations.
The book is written in accordance with the requirements of The Joint Commission related to the clarity of communication clarity in the patient-provider relationship. This book might be used in healthcare programs as a resource as sensitivity to cultural diversity should begin early in the classroom and clinical settings.
The Doctor of Nursing Practice and Clinical Nurse Leader: Essentials of Program Development and Implementation for Clinical Practice
ISBN: 978-082-613828-6. Hard cover, US $50.00. Joyce J. Fitzpatrick & Meredith Wallace; New York: Springer Publishing Company, New York, 2008
* Reviewed by:
Evelinda Camancho, MSN, RN
Quality Management Specialist Orlando
VA Medical Center Orlando, Florida
(e-mail: [email protected])
This book describes the application process for the Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) programs as well as the criteria to be met for entry into either program. These authors sought to articulate the importance of obtaining higher education in nursing practice. The book includes contributors who offer their knowledge and experience on varied aspects of both educational programs. The authors collected and compared data within chapters, tables, and exhibits, with the goal of promoting quality health care and recognizing the need for graduate level education.
The book contains chapters that delineate core competencies for both DNP and CNL, accomplished through graduate-level education. A list of those colleges and universities offering the educational programs leading to the DNP and CNL is included, although it is clear that these institutions offer different courses and require varying hours of study.
The authors provide data to support the need for both DNPs and CNLs. The authors describe the functional roles and responsibilities of both the DNP graduate and the CNL. CNLs will support CNAs, LPNs, and RNs in the management of patient caseloads. They will direct, lead, and supervise the healthcare team. The authors included a detailed analysis of the "White Paper on the Education and Role of the Clinical Nurse Leader, February 2007" in an Appendix.