Using stories to bridge cultural disparities, one culture at a time

Abstract

Story theory can be the basis of the nurse's culturally sensitive approach to gather patients' health information and learn about and experience patients' cultural values and beliefs. This article illustrates how story theory was used at the bedside of a Guatemalan Mayan patient to develop a culturally sensitive plan of care. Because nursing facilitates obtaining story at the bedside, nurses should consider using story theory to promote authentic communication that will bring voice to patients' concerns and assist in finding meaningful, culturally competent health solutions. By identifying what matters most to the patient through intentional dialogue, nurses can assist in the transformation of the current health care system to a patient-centered system that links nursing practice with nursing knowledge and bridges the health disparity gap, one patient at a time.