Working with families: From theory to clinical nursing practice

Abstract

The focus of this discussion is how nurses might more effectively work within the "hard spots" of family nursing to connect across difference. Taking a pragmatic stance toward knowledge, the practical consequences of ideas and theories informing definitions of family and family nursing practice are examined. The authors propose that the provision of competent, ethical, and culturally safe nursing care could be greatly enhanced by a relational view. In particular it is suggested that understanding family as a relational experience, understanding nursing and culture as relational processes and conceptualizing difference as a basis for connection can provide a foundation for more effectively working across differences. Using this relational view the authors outline processes that have the potential to foster more equitable, just, and compassionate family nursing practice.