Maternal Child and Family Health Nurses: Delivering a Unique Nursing Speciality
- PDF / 391,674 Bytes
- 8 Pages / 595.276 x 790.866 pts Page_size
- 79 Downloads / 212 Views
Maternal Child and Family Health Nurses: Delivering a Unique Nursing Speciality Sarah Fraser1 • Julian Grant1 • Trudi Mannix1
Published online: 12 July 2016 Springer Science+Business Media New York 2016
Abstract Introduction This study aimed to describe Maternal Child and Family Health Nurses’ (MCaFHNs) perception of their role across Australia. MCaFHNs deliver services to positively influence the growth and development of children in the early years. Little is known about their role as they deliver care to children and families in Australia. Methods This study used in-depth qualitative inquiry. Sixteen expert MCaFHNs from the eight jurisdictions in Australia took part in semi-structured interviews conducted from April 2013 to August 2013. The data were transcribed verbatim, validated by participants, and analysed thematically. Results The results indicated that the MCaFHNs’ role is embedded in the principles of primary health care under an umbrella of universal service delivery with increasing overall complexity. Health promotion and early intervention are key components of the role, with services focused heavily on child growth and development and maternal mental health. Delivery of services by MCaFHNs was enriched by specific approaches to care, such as working in partnership with families, and all aspects of the role were enabled by essential specialist skills and knowledge. Discussion While role descriptors, educational backgrounds and experiences vary, participants overwhelmingly report similarities in practice. This study identified tangible reasons for the development of a nationally consistent role and practice in Australia, enabling consistency and equity of best models of practice. Such a description is essential to enable transferability and
& Sarah Fraser [email protected] 1
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
comparison with nurses working in similar contexts internationally. Keywords Child nurse Primary care Family care Nurse role Qualitative approach
Significance What is already known on this subject? There is a lack of clarity of the Maternal Child and Family Health Nurses’ (MCaFHNs) role, especially in Australia. There are differences in nomenclature, services delivered by MCaFHNs, educational requirements between jurisdictions, and professional recognition of advanced practice. What this study adds? Enhancing child growth and development and maternal mental health are two key focus areas for MCaFHNs. Services delivered by MCaFHNs are enriched by specific approaches to care, such as working in partnership with families, and all aspects of the role are enabled by specialist skills and knowledge. Inconsistencies between jurisdictions suggest the need for national standards for MCaHFNs’ practice and uniformity in their postgraduate education.
Introduction ‘The early childhood years provide an important window of opportunity to build a strong foundation for future development’ [28]. Studies in neuroscience confirm t
Data Loading...
