Posttraumatic Growth in Women Who Have Experienced Intimate Partner Abuse.

The purpose of the current qualitative descriptive study was to describe the experiences of women who have endured intimate partner abuse using the theoretical framework of posttraumatic growth (PTG). Women (N = 14) who reported emotional and/or physical abuse by their male partners were interviewed. Five themes were identified: Acknowledging the Abusive Relationship; Fear of Him: Threats, Control, Pain, and Isolation; Accepting Support: Grabbing the Life Preserver; Rediscovering Myself: Digging Deep; and Appreciating Life and Helping Others. Findings have practical implications for nurses who are in pivotal positions to educate and influence others about the possibility of PTG following partner abuse. Nurses can help women find their way through this trauma and teach others about coping, healing, and recovery. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(8), 34-41.].

Women's Experiences of a Close Brush With Death and Posttraumatic Growth.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the experiences of women who have had a close brush with death and the elements of posttraumatic growth as a result of their experiences. DESIGN: Using a theoretical framework of posttraumatic growth, we conducted a qualitative descriptive study with interviews of women who have had a close brush with death. SETTING: Women were interviewed in the environment of their choosing: in their home, at a coffee shop, or over the telephone. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve women ages 35 to 79 years from the United States participated in the study, all of whom reported having a close brush with death. METHOD: Interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide derived from the theoretical framework. RESULTS: Five themes emerged from the data: My Trauma Experience, My Will to Live, SupportWas Important, Putting the Pieces of My Life Back Together, and Near-Death Experiences. Participants reported having experienced various elements of posttraumatic growth. Many attributed their posttraumatic growth to a myriad of factors such as having a supportive network, their belief in God as a source of strength, and the will to live. Others credited health care professionals for quality care and encouragement. CONCLUSION: Knowledge development regarding posttraumatic growth can enhance nursing practice in the care of women as they navigate life after trauma. Nurses and other health care providers are in strategic positions to educate women about the possibility of posttraumatic growth after adversity. They can help women find their path with a strong voice after trauma. Women who have experienced posttraumatic growth can teach others about healing, coping, empathy, compassion, and the importance of human connection.

Posttraumatic growth in women who have experienced the loss of their spouse or partner.

BACKGROUND: The loss of a spouse or long-term partner has a significant impact on a woman's well-being; psychological, physical, social, spiritual, and economic. Women dealing with loss are faced with numerous stressors which place them at risk for a variety of health challenges. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of women who have lost their spouse or partner to death using the theoretical framework of posttraumatic growth (PTG) developed by Tedeschi and Calhoun. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with semi-structured interviews of 15 widows. Purposive sampling was employed using the researchers' nursing network of colleagues through their academic institutions, hospital affiliations, and professional organizations. FINDINGS: Six themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) Listen to my story of loss, (2) Pushing through the sadness, (3) Anticipated versus unanticipated loss, (4) A new depth of compassion and empathy, (5) My strength grew over time, and (6) My view of myself changed. Participants experienced varying degrees of PTG evidenced by a greater appreciation of life, personal strength, improved relationships, new possibilities, and spiritual growth. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Knowledge development in this sphere enhances nursing practice in caring for women as they navigate life without their significant other. Nurses are in pivotal positions to educate others about the grieving process and the possibility of PTG. They help women find their way through trauma and teach others about healing, coping, empathy, compassion and the power of being connected to other human beings.

Posttraumatic Growth in Women who have Experienced Loss of a Child.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe and explore the experiences of women who have lost a child and the degree of posttraumatic growth revealed by the experiences. STUDY DESIGN AND METHOD: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted with interviews of mothers and grandmothers of children who died using the posttraumatic growth framework. FINDINGS: Participants included 11 mothers and 2 grandmothers. The posttraumatic growth framework was useful in examining their experiences. Seven themes were identified through data analysis: When my child died, I lost part of myself; Anticipated loss versus unanticipated loss; Picking up the pieces of my life; Support, kindness, and compassion helped; Moving on while still broken; Never forgotten, always in my heart; and Holding my loved ones close. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Nurses are in strategic positions to help women who have experienced the loss of a child by building rapport, establishing trust, and demonstrating empathy.

A Positive Side of Deployment: Vicarious Posttraumatic Growth in U.S. Military Nurses Who Served in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars.

PURPOSE: To describe vicarious posttraumatic growth in U.S. military nurses who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. METHODS: Respondents were asked to complete the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Core Beliefs Inventory (CBI), and six open-ended write-in questions as an electronic survey. FINDINGS: Appreciation of life and Personal strength were the strongest dimensions on the PTGI. This was also evident in participant responses to the open-ended questions. The five dimensions of the PTGI were significantly correlated, indicating as growth increased in one dimension, growth increased in all dimensions. The CBI showed moderate to strong positive correlations with all items. Thus, the relationship between the total PTGI scores and the total CBI scores showed a strong, positive correlation, which indicated higher overall core belief scores associated with more growth in total PTGI scores. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided initial evidence that some nurses who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars experienced posttraumatic growth. While healthcare providers need to be educated about their vulnerability when exposed to trauma, they also need to be aware of potential growth when caring for casualties. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nurses preparing to serve in war, as well as those returning, need to pay attention to their physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual health. Following return from war deployment, the military services need to take deliberate and careful measures to ensure that no returning personnel "fall through the cracks" in getting the help they need.

Trusting My Instincts to Protect Mothers.

A nurse-midwife describes how she had to trust her instincts when she suspected a woman was in danger.

The Experience of Nurse-Midwives in Teaching Roles.

BACKGROUND: The nursing faculty shortage has generated the interest of some nurse-midwives to teach in baccalaureate nursing programs. These seasoned practitioners bring a wealth of knowledge and clinical expertise to classrooms and clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of nurse-midwives who teach in baccalaureate nursing programs. METHOD: This study used a qualitative phenomenological research design based in the naturalistic paradigm. Colaizzi's procedure for analyzing phenomenological data was used to examine verbatim transcriptions from 16 interviews. Data saturation was achieved. RESULTS: Six themes emerged from the data: Emphasis on Normal; Knowing My Stuff: Confidence and Competence; Students Wanting to Become Nurse-Midwives in the Future; Students Desiring Nurse-Midwifery Care; Teaching and Imparting the Nurse-Midwifery Philosophy; and Professional Challenges: The Faculty Role. CONCLUSION: Nurse-midwives teaching in baccalaureate nursing programs are in strategic positions to influence nursing students. While helping the faculty shortage, they impart professional values and skills. They may inspire students to embrace the nurse-midwifery model of care. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(2):77-84.].

Qualitative Analysis of the American College of Nurse-Midwives Student Reports, 2005 to 2014.

INTRODUCTION: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is changing the health care landscape in the United States. It is now more important than ever to understand the needs of students who are preparing for roles as health care providers. The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Student Reports from 2005 through 2014 to acquire a better understanding of student needs in light of the historic change in health care reform. METHODS: A document analysis was conducted to review and evaluate 10 student reports using qualitative content analysis. Data were coded, categories were formed, and themes were discovered. The interpretation of the student reports elicited meaning, gained understanding, and developed empirical knowledge. RESULTS: Eight themes emerged from the data contained in the 10 student reports. These were: 1) public awareness and marketing; 2) midwifery education; 3) funding for midwifery education; 4) preceptor issues; 5) communication and professional issues; 6) diversity and inclusion; 7) transition to practice; and 8) the ACNM Annual Meeting. DISCUSSION: Students bring a unique perspective to the profession of midwifery and ACNM. This study revealed 8 themes emanating from the student reports spanning 10 years. Each theme showcased in this study is presented through a student lens and was deemed important enough to be mentioned in the majority of the student reports. These themes identify key areas affecting students such as education program content and clinical experiences, diversity and inclusion, preceptor availability and relationships, funding for graduate school and for attending the ACNM Annual Meeting, and a myriad of other significant topics. These students will begin their new careers with the changing structure of the health care industry under the ACA. At this complex and vulnerable time, it is imperative that student voices be heard and that their professional organization remains receptive to their concerns. A continuing dialogue between students and midwifery leadership, faculty, and preceptors will be beneficial to move our profession in the direction of achieving access to high-quality health care for all.

After the parade: military nurses' reintegration experiences from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

The purpose of the current study was to describe reintegration experiences of U.S. military nurses returning from deployments in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. A qualitative study using a phenomenological method was conducted. The population comprised nurses who served in the U.S. Army, Navy, or Air Force in Iraq or Afghanistan during 2003-2013, including Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve nurses. Purposive sampling with Veteran and professional nursing organizations yielded a sample of 35 nurses. Nine themes emerged from analysis: (a) homecoming; (b) renegotiating roles; (c) painful memories of trauma; (d) getting help; (e) needing a clinical change of scenery; (f) petty complaints and trivial whining; (g) military unit or civilian job: support versus lack of support; (h) family and social networks: support versus lack of support; and (i) reintegration: a new normal.

The lived experience of nurse-parents deployed to war.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experience of military nurse-parents separated from their children during deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan, 2003-2010. DESIGN AND METHODS: A qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 20 military nurse-parents deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan. Three data-generating questions guided the study: (1) What was the experience of leaving your children during your wartime deployment? (2) How did you stay in contact with your children while deployed? (3) Is there anything else you want to tell us about separation from your children? Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data saturation was achieved, and analysis procedures were adapted from Colaizzi. RESULTS: Four themes emerged from the data: (1) Impact with Reality: Leaving My Children Behind; (2) Childcare Arrangements: Putting the Puzzle Together; (3) Will They Remember Me: Staying in Touch; and (4) Caring For War-Injured Children: Reflections of Home. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Insight into the experience of nurse-parents deployed to a war zone provides a framework for additional research on parental separation in war. Interventions need to be tailored to meet the needs of military families.

Women's health and hygiene experiences during deployment to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, 2003 through 2010.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to describe women's health and hygiene experiences during their deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan during the war years, 2003 through 2010. METHODS: A phenomenological method described the essential structures embedded in the women's health and hygiene experiences. Colaizzi's method of data analysis was used to guide the discovery of themes. Interview data were gathered from 24 interviews with military nurses who served in the war zones. Female military nurses were specifically selected for this study because of their insight, awareness, and knowledge base. RESULTS: Seven themes emerged from the data and captured the essence of the women's experiences: 1) bathroom trips and facilities: a walk on the wild side; 2) shower challenges: lack of privacy, water problems, and location issues; 3) menstruation: to suppress or not to suppress; 4) staying clean: a monumental task; 5) various infections: annoying distractions; 6) unintended pregnancies: wartime surprises; and 7) safety issues: enemy attacks and sexual assaults. DISCUSSION: In the current military structure, more women are being deployed to combat zones and will endure the challenges and hardships described in this study. The health and hygiene experiences of deployed women are an important part of their daily lives in combat zones. Educational programs and clinical services need to be tailored to this cadre of women, with focused attention on preparation and anticipatory guidance prior to deployment. Access to health promotion and appropriate clinical services during deployment is critical. Finally, as these women return home as veterans, it is important for all providers to understand the contextual framework of their service and its impact on their lives.

Midwifery care: reflections of midwifery clients.

The purpose of this study was to describe the lived experience of midwifery clients throughout the life span. A qualitative study using a phenomenological approach was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 12 midwifery clients. The research question was: What has been your experience with midwifery care? Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data saturation was achieved and analysis procedures from Colaizzi were used. Five themes emerged from the data: 1) decision to seek midwifery care; 2) working together in a therapeutic alliance; 3) formulating a birth plan; 4) childbirth education; and 5) nurse-midwives as primary health-care providers throughout the life span. There is much to learn from listening to the voices of midwifery clients.

Experiences of U.S. military nurses in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, 2003-2009.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experience of U.S. military nurses who served in Iraq or Afghanistan during the war years 2003 to 2009, and life after returning from war. METHODS: Colaizzi's phenomenological method guided discovery. This method includes elements of both descriptive and interpretive phenomenology. The sample consisted of 37 military nurses who served in the Army, Navy, or Air Force in the Iraq or Afghanistan wars. Four data-generating questions guided the interview process. Most interviews were face-to-face and conducted in naturalistic settings chosen by the participants. Several interviews were conducted telephonically due to geographic constraints. Data analysis followed Colaizzi's method of analysis. Seven themes emerged from the data, including "deploying to war;""remembrance of war: most chaotic scene;""nurses in harm's way: more than I bargained for;""kinship and bonding: my military family;""my war stress: I'm a different person now;""professional growth: expanding my skills;" and "listen to me: advice to deploying nurses." Analysis continued until data saturation was achieved. RESULTS: Results indicated that wartime deployment was a difficult challenge, lessons learned should be shared with nurses deploying in future years, homecoming was more difficult than most nurses anticipated, and reintegration after coming home takes time and effort. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing in war is a unique experience regardless of education, preparation and training. There are a myriad of variables that enter into the experience and effect outcomes, both personal and professional. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Wartime nursing is a reality in the current clinical practice arena. War takes its toll on everyone involved, including the caregivers. Nurses returning from war can provide valuable insights to those that follow.

Voices of midwives: a tapestry of challenges and blessings.

PURPOSE: To describe the lived experience of nurse-midwives. DESIGN AND METHODS: A qualitative study using a phenomenological approach. Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 10 seasoned nurse-midwives. Two data-generating questions guided the study: "How would you describe the circumstances involving your decision to become a nurse-midwife?" and "What is the experience of being a nurse-midwife like for you?" Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data saturation was achieved, and analysis procedures were adapted from Colaizzi. RESULTS: Seven themes emerged from the data: (1) The path to midwifery: Decisions and plans; (2) Midwifery education: Rigor and enlightenment; (3) Being "with woman": Positive presence and therapeutic alliance; (4) Midwifery as a vocation: A call to serve; (5) A juggling act: Balancing career and family life; (6) Professional struggles: Stress and frustration; and (7) Professional triumphs: Joys and satisfactions. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Insight into the experience of nurse-midwives provides a framework for additional research in this arena. Listening to the voices of midwives provides vital information about women's healthcare providers who do so much to add to the comprehensive care of women.

Therapeutic alliance: a concept for the childbearing season.

This analysis was conducted to describe the concept of therapeutic alliance and its appropriateness for health-care provider-client interactions during the childbearing season. The concept has been defined in other disciplines. A universal definition suggested a merging of efforts directed toward health. A simple and concise definition evolved, which is applicable to the childbearing season as well as to health-care encounters across the life span. This definition states: Therapeutic alliance is a process within a health-care provider-client interaction that is initiated by an identified need for positive client health-care behaviors, whereby both parties work together toward this goal with consideration of the client's current health status and developmental stage within the life span.

The lived experience of widowhood during pregnancy.

Approximately 7 million women in the United States become widows each year. It is not known how many women are pregnant at the time of their husband's death. This study describes the lived experience of widowhood during pregnancy as defined by 10 widows whose husbands were killed in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks or while they served in the US military during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Purposive sampling was used and data were generated using four core questions. The research methodology was phenomenology, and interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. Eight themes emerged from data analysis: (1) Denying versus dealing with reality: He's not coming home; (2) Navigating pregnancy: Flying solo while running on empty; (3) Planning for birth: Gathering my team; (4) My safety net: A band of sisters; (5) Unplanned journey: A bittersweet homecoming; (6) Being there: Network of family and friends; (7) Not being there: Let down by others; and (8) Re-creating home: A new normal. These themes described the emotions, vulnerability, challenges, and issues experienced by these women. Women's health care providers can serve as advocates for widows as well as teaching others about the grieving process. This study gave these women who became widowed while pregnant a voice.