Welcome to Maternal Nursing & Women Health Practice. Please respond to these questions appropriately citing your references if necessary. #1) Identify 2020 National Health Goals related to home care during pregnancy or childhood that nurses can help the nation achieve. #2) Describe what family centered care is. #3) Identify common areas or concerns of cultural diversity and apply these to nursing practice.
1) The 2020 National Health Goals related to home care during pregnancy and childhood encompass a variety of areas that nurses can help the nation achieve. These goals, set forth by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, focus on improving the health and well-being of individuals and families in the community. Some key goals relevant to home care during pregnancy or childhood include:
a) Reduce the rate of preterm births: Preterm births, defined as births that occur before 37 completed weeks of gestation, are associated with increased risk of infant mortality and long-term health complications. Nurses can play a crucial role in achieving this goal by promoting prenatal care, education, and support for pregnant women and their families. By facilitating early access to healthcare, providing education on risk factors and healthy behaviors, and ensuring appropriate follow-up and monitoring, nurses can contribute to reducing the rate of preterm births.
b) Increase the proportion of infants who are exclusively breastfed: Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for infants, including reduced risk of infections, allergies, and chronic diseases. Nurses can support breastfeeding initiation and continuation by providing education, guidance, and support to mothers and families. This can include teaching proper latch and positioning techniques, addressing common concerns or challenges, and promoting a supportive environment that enables breastfeeding.
c) Reduce the rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under one year of age. Nurses can contribute to reducing the incidence of SIDS by promoting safe sleep practices, such as placing infants on their backs to sleep, using a firm sleep surface, and avoiding exposure to smoke. By educating parents and caregivers about these recommendations and ensuring their implementation, nurses can help reduce the risk of SIDS.
d) Increase the proportion of children who have received age-appropriate vaccinations: Vaccinations are essential in preventing childhood diseases and protecting the health of the community. Nurses can support this goal by promoting immunization schedules, providing education about vaccine safety and efficacy, and addressing common concerns or misconceptions. By ensuring that children receive age-appropriate vaccinations, nurses can contribute to reducing the spread of preventable diseases.
2) Family-centered care is an approach to healthcare delivery that recognizes the essential role of the family in the care and well-being of individuals, particularly in the context of pregnancy and childhood. It involves partnership and collaboration between healthcare professionals and families to ensure that care is individualized, respectful, and supportive of the unique needs and preferences of the family.
At its core, family-centered care recognizes that families are experts on their own experiences, values, and goals. It involves active communication and shared decision-making between healthcare providers and families, where the expertise and perspectives of both parties are valued and respected. This approach acknowledges that families have their own strengths, knowledge, and resources that can be leveraged to promote positive health outcomes.
Family-centered care promotes a holistic approach to healthcare that considers not just the physical health of the individual but also their emotional, social, and cultural well-being. It involves assessing the impact of illness or health conditions on the family unit as a whole and providing support and resources to address the family’s needs.
In the context of maternal nursing and women’s health practice, family-centered care recognizes the importance of involving partners, siblings, and extended family members in the care and decision-making process. It takes into account the unique dynamics of each family and respects their cultural, religious, and individual preferences. This approach not only improves patient outcomes but also enhances the overall experience of care for families.
3) Cultural diversity is a fundamental aspect of nursing practice, as nurses frequently encounter individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Cultural diversity refers to the coexistence and interaction of different cultural groups within a society or community. It encompasses a range of factors, including beliefs, values, customs, traditions, language, and communication styles.
In nursing practice, common areas or concerns related to cultural diversity include:
a) Communication: Effective communication is crucial in nursing practice, and cultural diversity can present challenges in this regard. Different cultural groups may have distinct communication styles, verbal and nonverbal cues, and preferences for information sharing. Nurses need to be aware of these differences, adapt their communication approaches accordingly, and employ strategies such as the use of interpreters or cultural brokers when needed.
b) Health beliefs and practices: Cultural diversity influences individuals’ health beliefs and practices, including their understanding of illness, treatment preferences, and attitudes towards healthcare. Nurses need to be culturally sensitive and responsive, recognizing and respecting diverse health beliefs and practices. This may involve incorporating traditional remedies or approaches into care, facilitating discussions about treatment options, and addressing any conflicts between cultural beliefs and evidence-based practice.
c) Family dynamics: Cultural diversity often shapes family dynamics, roles, and expectations. Understanding these cultural influences is important in providing family-centered care. Nurses should be aware of different family structures, decision-making processes, and roles of family members in healthcare decisions. Recognizing and involving the appropriate individuals in the care process can enhance engagement and support for the patient.
d) Ethical considerations: Cultural diversity raises ethical considerations in nursing practice. Nurses may encounter situations where cultural values or beliefs conflict with established ethical principles or standards of care. It is crucial for nurses to navigate these complex situations with cultural sensitivity, respect for autonomy, and adherence to professional ethics. Consultation with interprofessional teams or ethics committees may be necessary in certain cases.
By recognizing and addressing these areas or concerns, nurses can effectively provide culturally competent care that respects and meets the needs of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds in maternal nursing and women’s health practice.