MCN. The American journal of maternal child nursing
-
MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs · Jul 2008
ReviewConsiderations for emergencies & disasters in the neonatal intensive care unit.
This article outlines outside principles of emergency and disaster planning for neonatal intensive care units and includes resources available to organizations to support planning and education, and considerations for nurses developing hospital-specific neonatal intensive care unit disaster plans. Hospital disaster preparedness programs and unit-specific policies and procedures are essential in facilitating an effective response to major incidents or disasters, whether they are man-made or natural. All disasters place extraordinary stress on existing resources, systems, and personnel. If nurses in neonatal intensive care units work collaboratively to identify essential services in disasters, the result could be safer care for vulnerable patients.
-
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.
-
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.
-
MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs · Nov 2007
Neonatal intensive care unit sound levels before and after structural reconstruction.
This study compared sound levels before and after structural reconstruction within an NICU. ⋯ Findings from this study demonstrated the positive impact that reconstruction can have on sound levels (4 dB Leq decrease); however, additional interventions may be needed to meet the current standards for noise reduction in an NICU.