MCN. The American journal of maternal child nursing
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MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs · Jul 2008
Evacuation of a maternal-newborn area during Hurricane Katrina.
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall and inflicted devastation across the Gulf Coast. The catastrophic hurricane and flooding from failed levees in New Orleans made this event the most destructive natural and man-made disaster to occur in the United States' history (White House, 2006). Such a massive disaster challenged survival for everyone in its path, including patients and healthcare professionals. ⋯ Nurses were not able to provide care in the typical patient care environment because patients were relocated to multiple areas of the hospital, the ER ramp, and the parking garage to await evacuation. The temperature soared to 110 degrees F, and evacuation efforts were chaotic and disorganized. This article describes the heroic efforts of a strong and cohesive nursing team in caring for our patients and providing for the evacuation of 16 critically ill newborns from the Level 3 regional neonatal intensive care unit and 5 well newborns and their mothers.
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MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs · May 2008
Review Case ReportsA case study of postpartum depression & altered maternal-newborn attachment.
This article presents a case study of a new mother experiencing postpartum depression and altered attachment with her newborn. Theories related to postpartum depression and maternal-newborn attachment are reviewed, and evidenced-based strategies for care are discussed in the context of the case.
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MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs · Mar 2008
Multicenter StudyPreconception care & pregnancy planning: voices of African American women.
This study aimed to investigate the intersection of women's pregnancy planning beliefs with preconception care barriers. We assessed the meaning of "planned pregnancy" for African American women and explored its connection to preconception experiences. The role of race and economics as contextualizing women's experiences was considered. ⋯ Nurses who care for women in the childbearing years should understand that planning for pregnancy is not a simple cognitive process, and that race and economics play a role in women's beliefs about pregnancy. Preconception care also encompasses the contexts of family, public health, and society. Linking preconception care with all medical encounters is an important but insufficient approach. Nurses should apply their understanding of the biopsychosocial dimensions of health in support of the goals of preconception healthcare. Holistic nursing and public health perspectives should be considered to broaden the scope of preconception interventions and more effectively address social factors that influence preconception care.
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MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs · Nov 2007
Hospitalized children's perceptions of nurses and nurse behaviors.
To contribute knowledge concerning hospitalized children's perceptions of nurses and nurse behaviors based on the words of children. ⋯ Nurses caring for children should acknowledge them (with conversation or smiles) with each interaction, provide age-appropriate diversion and friendly interaction, provide basic needs in a gentle manner, and engage in protective and advocacy behaviors, such as frequent stops to assure a child's safety and well-being. Children appreciate a smile, a gentle touch, and kind words. Nurses who care for children should realize their continued need for physical comfort, reassurance, and conversation and know that these children understand and appreciate the advocacy roles nurses assume.