A model for professional nurses to facilitate culturally sensitive nursing care for children

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Culturally sensitive nursing care is vital in paediatric settings, where children's health experiences and responses to care are influenced by their cultural beliefs, family practices and developmental needs. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop, describe and evaluate a model to guide professional nurses in providing culturally sensitive care for hospitalised children. METHOD: A theory-generative, qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was employed. The model was created through four systematic steps: concept analysis, formulation of relationship statements, model construction and expert evaluation. RESULTS: The resulting model helps professional nurses to recognise and clarify their own values, incorporate institutional cultural guidelines and utilise relevant resources to facilitate culturally sensitive care. CONCLUSION: At the core of the model is the active involvement of mothers or primary caregivers throughout the child's hospitalisation, ensuring holistic, culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate care.Contribution: The model provides a practical framework to improve cultural competence and enhance paediatric nursing care across diverse clinical settings.