Barbara J. Sittner

Effects of high-risk pregnancies on families

Purpose:To examine the psychosocial impact a high-risk pregnancy has on the family and to identify family strengths and how these strengths help families meet the challenges inherent in high-risk pregnancies. Study Design and Method:A descriptive study using naturalistic inquiry was used to interview women who were currently pregnant and had differing high-risk obstetric health issues. Data collection for this study included semi-structured, one-on-one audiotaped interviews, observations, and a biographic profile completed by the participant. The audiotaped interviews were transcribed and data were examined, coded, clustered, and sorted into specific categories. Trustworthiness included member checks and audit trails. Results:Three themes emerged from the data about psychosocial impact. Mixed Emotions described the women’s perception of a high-risk pregnancy; Adjustment and Support was how the women described their family’s experience with the high-risk pregnancy; and Informative Care arose from the women’s explanation of care received. The most common family strength identified was the ability to manage stress and crisis, followed by commitment, appreciation and affection, a sense of spiritual well-being, and enjoyable time together. The least common strength identified was positive communication. Clinical Implications:A high-risk pregnancy not only affects women, but it also causes an alteration in family functioning. Nurses need to become familiar with family strengths and help families recognize their strengths when faced with significant life events.

INACSL Standards of Best Practice for Simulation: Past, Present, and Future

AIM To describe the historical evolution of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learnings (INACSL) Standards of Best Practice: SimulationSM. BACKGROUND The establishment of simulation standards began as a concerted effort by the INACSL Board of Directors in 2010 to provide best practices to design, conduct, and evaluate simulation activities in order to advance the science of simulation as a teaching methodology. METHOD A comprehensive review of the evolution of INACSL Standards of Best Practice: Simulation was conducted using journal publications, the INACSL website, INACSL member survey, and reports from members of the INACSL Standards Committee. RESULTS The initial seven standards, published in 2011, were reviewed and revised in 2013. Two new standards were published in 2015. The standards will continue to evolve as the science of simulation advances. CONCLUSION As the use of simulation‐based experiences increases, the INACSL Standards of Best Practice: Simulation are foundational to standardizing language, behaviors, and curricular design for facilitators and learners.

Using the concept of family strengths to enhance nursing care

This article was written to help nurses better understand the family strengths framework and encourage them to incorporate family strengths into the nursing care they give. In times of stress or crisis for families, nurses can use the conceptual framework of family strengths as a mechanism to promote strong, healthy relationships. The family strengths perspective identifies and builds on positive attributes in family functioning. Family strengths qualities are (a) commitment, (b) appreciation and affection, (c) positive communication, (d) time together, (e) a sense of spiritual well-being, and (f) the ability to cope with stress and crisis. With the family strengths approach, nurses help families define their visions and hopes for the future instead of looking at what factors contribute to family problems. Family strengths assessment can be used in nursing practice, nursing education, and everyday life.