The Value of Story Theory in Providing Culturally Sensitive Advanced Practice Nursing in Rural Appalachia

Abstract

This paper is based on the premise that nurses come to terms with the realities of patients by forming an understanding of their cultural viewpoints through embracing the person’s story. The author presents her journey in coming to understand the importance of attending to the patient’s story in the delivery of advanced practice nursing. Highlights of the journey include: a reconstructed story of a women deeply immersed in the cultural and religious traditions of Appalachia; literature on Appalachian culture, religious practices, and beliefs; and story theory as a theoretical approach to guide culturally sensitive nursing practice.