An historical overview of Leininger’s Theory of Culture Care Diversity and Universality also known as the Culture Care Theory (CCT) and evolution of the Sunrise Enabler are presented along with descriptions of the theory purpose, goal, tenets, basic assumptions, major core constructs, and orientational definitions. Recent articles, books, and book chapters provide relevant exemplars to enhance scholarly understanding and application of theory constructs. Proposed future directions encompass using the CCT to guide research of discovery and translational research projects for evidenced-based nursing practice; develop nursing courses and curricula to prepare culturally competent nurses; guide future culturally competent administrative and leadership policies and procedures; inform public policy related to cultural diversity and underserved populations; promote grant writing initiatives to enhance cultural diversity in hiring nursing staff, supervisors, and faculty; and promote admission of nursing students from underserved and/or diverse backgrounds.

A historical overview and evolution of Leininger’s ethnonursing research method (ERM) is presented along with descriptions of the method’s purpose, goal, terminology, and enablers. A succinct guide to using ERM is provided to assist novice and seasoned researchers, as well as mentors and educators, in teaching, mentoring, advising, and/or conducting ethnonursing research studies. Criteria for evaluation of qualitative research studies, such as the ERM, are highlighted.

Nurse anthropologist, Madeleine Leininger, developed the culture care theory and ethnonursing research method to help researchers study transcultural human care phenomena and discover the knowledge nurses need to provide care in an increasingly multicultural world. The authors propose that the ethnonursing method can be useful for research that addresses providing care in other disciplines, including education, administration, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, social work, pharmacy, medicine, and other disciplines in which research findings have implications for human care and health. The authors discuss the culture care theory and describe the ethnonursing research method's enablers, data analysis phases, and qualitative evaluation criteria. The theory is presented as a guide for using research findings to design culturally competent and congruent care to promote wellbeing among diverse people, groups, communities, and institutions. Resources include a reference list of key source publications, a discussion of exemplar studies, and samples of a theory-based, open-ended interview guide and data coding system.

The findings will improve care by promoting culturally congruent care for the Somali immigrant population.