Need Book Recommendations in Culture and Nursing

EricJRN, MSN, RN · May 30, 2006

Haven't read a book that is exclusively dedicated to cultural issues and nursing, but check out the links on this page for starters:

http://www.culturediversity.org/links.htm

The best book I've read related to culture and medicine is The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman. It's a true story about a little Hmong girl in California with a very complex case of epilepsy which is compounded by the hospital's and the family's constant misunderstandings of one another. Although I've never encountered a Hmong patient and will likely never see one, the book made me reconsider the approach we take to patients in general. (Note: Not to be read in the throes of a suicidal depression.)

pattyjo, MSN, RN · May 30, 2006

The best book I've read related to culture and medicine is The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman. It's a true story about a little Hmong girl in California with a very complex case of epilepsy which is compounded by the hospital's and the family's constant misunderstandings of one another. Although I've never encountered a Hmong patient and will likely never see one, the book made me reconsider the approach we take to patients in general.

I couldn't agree more, Eric, I recommend this excellent book to my students. It is heartbreaking and extremely valuable.

Patty

suzanne4, RN · May 30, 2006

Mosby"s Cultural Health Assessment would be an excellent book for you.

SweetOldWorld, BSN, RN · May 30, 2006

I like "Culture and Clinical Care" edited by Juliene Lipson and Suzanne Dibble. It has sections on 35 different cultures, and goes into detail about cultural/ethnic identity, spiritual/religious orientation, communication, ADLs, food practices, symptom management, birth rituals/care of mother and baby, developmental and sexual issues, family relationships, illness beliefs, health issues, and death rituals. Each section also has a list of selected references for further reading.

http://nurseweb.ucsf.edu/public/npress/ord-culture.htm

I second the recommendation of "The Spirit Catches You and you Fall Down." Fadiman is an excellent writer.

Little Panda RN, ASN, RN · May 30, 2006

While I was in school we used "Cultural Diversity in Health and Illness, Rachel E. Spector, Fifth Edition" Prentice Hall. This book has good information about the different cultures we encounter in health care. Hope you find what you are looking for.

BabyRN2Be · Jul 30, 2006

Thank you all very much for your replies on this. I can only buy one at this time, but I'm wondering, of these books (and anyone feel free to add others), which is your number one choice? I'm looking for something comprehensive here, not only for different cultures, but as many aspects of healthcare as possible (ADL's, Birth, Death).

Thanks again!

Jayla · Jul 30, 2006

Thank you all very much for your replies on this. I can only buy one at this time, but I'm wondering, of these books (and anyone feel free to add others), which is your number one choice? I'm looking for something comprehensive here, not only for different cultures, but as many aspects of healthcare as possible (ADL's, Birth, Death).
Thanks again!

A very comprehensive book about providing health care to latino patients is called, well, The Latino Patient (Nilda Chong). It discusses many cultural aspects of providing health care to people from central and south america. Of course, it only pertains to those specific cultures.

msn2008, MSN, RN · Jul 30, 2006

Trancultural Health Care by Larry D. Purnell and Betty J Paulanka.

This book covers 20 main cultures and looks at their beliefs regarding nutrition, pregnancy, child raising, death, grief, spirituality, health seeking , folk practices, etc. A case study is also included with each culture. This is a great book.

Melissa