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This topic is valuable because it directly impacts patient care and outcomes. Understanding cultural beliefs and practices will allow me to provide respectful, individualized care, fostering trust and improving patient satisfaction. Exploring this topic will enhance my cultural humility skill and thus prepare me to deliver compassionate, inclusive care in my future nursing practice.

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I resonate with the topic, Stigma and Mental Health: The Nurse's Role, as it links personal well-being and professional responsibility. Understanding stigma will help me navigate my mental health challenges, support peers, and be equipped to deliver care, making it a powerful and practical focus.

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This image advocates for mental health awareness with bold text urging to "Break the Stigma". The green brain and ribbon symbolize mental health, promoting understanding and empathy. It challenges harmful stereotypes, encouraging open conversations and support. Such visuals help normalize mental health struggles and empower individuals to seek help.

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This image captures a compassionate healthcare professional actively listening to a young person, symbolizing trust and support. It highlights the importance of open, non-judgmental communication in mental health care. Such visuals help reduce stigma by portraying mental health professionals as approachable allies, encouraging individuals to seek help without fear or shame.

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Introduction

Hi, I am Mary, a nursing student with a passion for mental health equity. In this episode, I will explore how cultural stigma affects mental health care and the role nurses play in promoting mental well-being. These topics are vital to shaping inclusive and compassionate care environments.

Topic Summary

In my topic summary, the reason behind choosing this topic is its impact to highlight how nurses can challenge mental health stigma through education, advocacy, and compassionate care. Addressing stigma is essential to improving access, outcomes, and acceptance for those affected by mental illness (Ahad et al., 2023), making it a critical responsibility within modern nursing practice.

Key Learnings

On the key learnings (Ahad et al., 2023) revealed that stigma is deeply rooted in cultural, religious, and social contexts, often resulting in silence, shame, and treatment avoidance. This broadened my understanding of how cultural humility is essential in psychiatric nursing. From (Begum, 2023), I learned how nurses contribute to breaking stigma through advocacy, education, early intervention, and creating safe spaces, often being the first point of support.

Relational Inquiry

Relational inquiry encourages nurses to connect with patients by understanding their values, culture, and context. These readings reinforced that effective mental health care must be relational, sensitive, and individualized (Ahad et al., 2023; Begum, 2023).

Lingering Questions

I am still curious about how nurses can effectively tailor interventions across cultures and how to address internalized stigma in patients.

Final Reflection

And for my final reflection, this exploration helped me grow in awareness and compassion. As I prepare for my RN role, I feel better equipped to advocate for culturally respectful, stigma-free mental health care.

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Article Hyperlinks to Support Continued Learning  

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Article Hyperlinks to Support Continued Learning  

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10220277/

https://www.nurses.co.uk/blog/the-vital-role-of-nurses-in-promoting-mental-health/

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Ahad, A., Gonzalez, M., & Junquera, P. (2023). Understanding and Addressing Mental Health Stigma Across Cultures for Improving Psychiatric Care: A Narrative Review. Cureus, 15(5), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.39549

Begum, A. (2023, August 30). The Vital Role Of Nurses In Promoting Mental Health. Nurses.co.uk. https://www.nurses.co.uk/blog/the-vital-role-of-nurses-in-promoting-mental-health/

Mental Health Awareness T-shirt Design Vector Stock Vector (Royalty Free) 2445082033 | Shutterstock. (2024). Shutterstock. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/mental-health-awareness-tshirt-design-vector-2445082033

Nurse. (2016, January 14). Nurse Treating Teenage Girl Suffering With Depression. IStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/nurse-treating-teenage-girl-suffering-with-depression-gm504704086-83293737?searchscope=image%2Cfilm

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This topic is foundational to effective, empathetic patient support. It will enhance my academic learning and equip me with essential hands-on tools for compassionate care. Skills such as active listening, open-ended questions, reflection, silence, and non-judgmental responses enhance rapport and trust building, enabling patients to share their feelings and concerns openly.

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This topic is ideal because it is at the heart of nursing care; treating patients as unique individuals and not just as medical cases. Emphasizing patient involvement empowers them in decision-making and improves adherence to treatment plans.  It also builds trust, boosts satisfaction, and leads to better health outcomes.

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This topic is compelling because these practices offer benefits for both infants and parents. They enhance bonding, boost confidence, and provide a nurturing environment. It helps regulate a newborn's body temperature, promotes better sleep, and enhances breastfeeding success. It also aligns well with the importance of holistic, compassionate nursing.

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This poem beautifully explores patient-centered care. It urges nurses to look beyond the surface, hearing hidden pain, asking why, and valuing relational presence. It emphasizes active listening, contextual exploration, and openness to vulnerability. This aligns with relational inquiry's focus on intrapersonal, interpersonal, and contextual awareness to deepen therapeutic connection.

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This image reflects therapeutic communication through active listening and empathetic body language. The nurse's comforting presence and physical touch convey safety, trust, and compassion, core elements of effective mental health care. It illustrates how nonverbal communication can validate emotions and foster a healing environment essential for patient-centered psychiatric support.

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Artifact 1 - A Diverse Group of Pregnant Women

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Artifact 1 - A Diverse Group of Pregnant Women

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This image meaningfully represents cultural sensitivity in maternal-child nursing by showing diverse pregnant individuals supported in a shared space. It emphasizes inclusivity, respect for cultural identities, and the importance of culturally safe care. Such imagery encourages healthcare environments that honor varying traditions, values, and experiences throughout pregnancy and childbirth.

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This image illustrates a modern representation of kangaroo care, with a father engaging in close physical contact with his baby. It highlights that nurturing touch and bonding are not limited to mothers; fathers also play a vital role. Promoting inclusive family involvement supports emotional development and aligns with family-centered maternal-child nursing practices.

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This image symbolizes patient-centered care, reflecting nurses' exploration beyond symptoms to understand patients' experiences. It emphasizes active listening, presence, verbal acknowledgement, and nonverbal cues, which build trust and improve outcomes. Additionally, it aligns with relational inquiry, focusing on intrapersonal, interpersonal, and contextual dynamics.

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This image reflects therapeutic communication through mutual respect and rapport building. The handshake and eye contact show trust and collaboration, fostering a safe space for open dialogue. Such gestures enhance engagement, reduce anxiety, and help normalize mental health conversations, making the individual feel valued and supported throughout the therapeutic process.

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This image is meaningful in the context of cultural sensitivity in maternal-child nursing because it represents racial and ethnic diversity from the earliest stages of life. It reinforces the need for culturally sensitive care that acknowledges differences in family beliefs, practices, and genetic health risks to provide equitable personalized nursing support.

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This image captures the essence of skin-to-skin care in maternal-child nursing. The newborn resting on the mother's chest promotes bonding, regulates temperature and heart rate, and enhances breastfeeding success. It reflects the emotional and psychological benefits of immediate postpartum contact, supporting newborn stability and maternal confidence during early caregiving.

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Introduction

Hi, I am Mary, a nursing student exploring the importance of therapeutic communication in mental health care. In this episode, I will discuss insights from two key resources that have deepened my understanding of how nurses use communication to build trust, reduce anxiety, and support healing.

Topic Summary

In my topic summary, effective therapeutic communication is vital in establishing trust and promoting healing in mental health settings (Sharma & Gupta, 2023). This topic was selected to emphasize the nurse’s role in active listening, empathy, and creating safe spaces for patients to express emotions, fostering improved outcomes and stronger nurse-patient relationships (Judijanto et al., 2024).

Key Learnings

On the key learnings (Judijanto et al., 2024) emphasized simple, direct language, active listening, and patience as critical techniques that improve nurse-patient relationships. Sharma & Gupta (2023) expanded on this by explaining how genuineness, empathy, and respect form the foundation of effective communication. Together, these sources taught me that therapeutic communication is not just about speaking; it is about how we engage and connect with patients holistically.

Relational Inquiry

The relational inquiry framework encourages nurses to understand patients in context, culturally, emotionally, and socially. Both articles highlighted how therapeutic communication aligns with relational inquiry by promoting mutual understanding and patient-centered care (Judijanto et al., 2024; Sharma & Gupta, 2023).

Lingering Questions

I am still curious about how to navigate communication across different cultures and languages, and how nurses can maintain emotional balance while offering deep empathy.

Final Reflection

And for my final reflection, these readings helped me see that effective and efficient communication is central to quality nursing. As I prepare to become an RN, I am committed to using therapeutic communication not just to inform but to comfort, empower, and truly connect with those I care for.

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Introduction

Hello and welcome to today's podcast. My name is Mary, and as a nursing student, I am excited to explore the concept of patient-centered care and its vital role in improving healthcare quality. This episode will focus on how designing care from the patient's perspective enhances outcomes and fosters stronger nurse-patient relationships.

Topic Summary

In my topic summary, I was drawn to this topic because patient-centered care is fundamental to modern nursing practice. It shifts the focus from disease to the whole person, valuing individual preferences, needs, and experiences. Understanding this approach helps prepare nurses to deliver care that truly respects and empowers patients.

Key Learnings

On the key learnings, from (Levitan & Schoenbaum 2021), I learned that patient-centered care leads to higher quality by actively involving patients in their care decisions and designing services around their needs. This approach reduces errors, improves satisfaction, and promotes trust. Švab, I., & Cerovečki (2024) emphasized person-centered care as a core principle in family medicine, highlighting holistic attention to patients' physical, emotional, and social contexts. Together, these articles deepened my appreciation for the complexities of care and the importance of tailoring interventions to each patient's unique story.

Relational Inquiry

Relational inquiry encouraged me to see patient-centered care not just as a method, but as a relational process. It highlighted the importance of self-awareness, active listening, and mutual respect in building authentic partnerships that honor patients' voices.

Lingering Questions

I am still exploring practical strategies to implement patient-centered care in fast-paced or resource-limited settings, and how to balance patient preferences with clinical guidelines effectively.

Final Reflection

And for my final reflection, this learning journey has reinforced that patient-centered care is essential for quality nursing practice. As a future RN, I feel more equipped to advocate for and practice care that truly honors patients’ perspectives and promotes healing.

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Introduction

Hello, and thank you for joining. My name is Mary, and I am a nursing student dedicated to providing inclusive and respectful care. In this episode, I will be exploring cultural sensitivity in maternal-child nursing and how understanding cultural differences can improve outcomes and experiences for mothers, infants, and families.

Topic Summary

In my topic summary, what inspired me to explore maternal and perinatal care is deeply influenced by cultural beliefs, traditions, and expectations. Nurses play a critical role in ensuring that care is not only clinically appropriate but also culturally respectful. Failing to acknowledge cultural needs can lead to misunderstandings and poorer outcomes, especially for women from minority backgrounds (Gardner et al., 2024).

Key Learnings

On the key learnings, from (Iswanti et al., 2024), I learned that culturally sensitive maternity care leads to improved communication, patient satisfaction, and health equity. They emphasize the importance of training healthcare providers to understand cultural norms and adapt care accordingly. Gardner et al. (2024) highlighted how women from minority ethnic groups often face emotional isolation and stigma in perinatal care when their cultural needs are overlooked. This deepened my understanding of the importance of cultural humility and active listening in maternal-child nursing.

Relational Inquiry

Relational inquiry helped me view cultural sensitivity not as a checklist, but as a way of being. It taught me to approach each patient with curiosity, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn about their unique context, rather than making assumptions based on background alone.

Lingering Questions

I am still exploring how to practice cultural sensitivity in high-pressure clinical environments and how to navigate conflicting cultural beliefs within interprofessional teams or families.

Final Reflection

And for my final reflection, this journey has prepared me to be a more thoughtful and responsive nurse. Cultural sensitivity, as emphasized by both articles, is essential for equitable care and is a mindset I intend to carry into my future practice.

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Article Hyperlinks to Support Continued Learning

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Article Hyperlinks to Support Continued Learning

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567775/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381226687_Application_of_therapeutic_communication_as_a_talking_technique_between_nurses_and_patients

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Introduction

Hello, and thank you for joining. My name is Mary, and I am a nursing student passionate about family-centered care. In today's episode, we are focusing on kangaroo care and skin-to-skin contact, practices that are not only comforting but scientifically proven to support early bonding, infant development, and parental well-being. The purpose of this episode is to highlight how these methods benefit both mothers and fathers and how nurses can play a key role in promoting them.

Topic Summary

In my topic summary, I chose this topic because while skin-to-skin contact is widely recommended, it is often underused, especially with fathers. Understanding its impact allows nurses to encourage its practice more confidently and inclusively. With more evidence showing the benefits for both parents, it is important to move beyond traditional roles and support all caregivers (Bigelow & Power 2020; Manav et al., 2021).

Key Learnings

On the key learnings, Bigelow & Power (2020) emphasize the short and long-term benefits of mother-infant skin-to-skin contact, including improved maternal responsiveness, reduced stress, and better socio-emotional outcomes for children. Meanwhile, Manav et al. (2021) found that kangaroo care significantly increased fathers’ attachment and involvement in infant care. These findings expanded my understanding of how skin-to-skin contact supports both emotional bonding and confidence in parenting regardless of gender.

Relational Inquiry

Relational inquiry helped me see kangaroo care as more than a technique; it is a relational moment that builds trust, emotional connection, and parental identity. Relational inquiry emphasizes being present and responsive to each family's unique context and needs, rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

Lingering Questions

I am still exploring how to overcome barriers to kangaroo care in high acuity settings and how to support culturally diverse families in embracing this practice.

Final Reflection

And for my final reflection, this research strengthened my belief in holistic family-centered care. As a future RN, I am committed to promoting kangaroo care as a powerful, evidence-based intervention that fosters attachment and strengthens family bonds.

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Article Hyperlinks to Support Continued Learning

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Article Hyperlinks to Support Continued Learning

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7934513/

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13814788.2024.2393860#d1e138

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Article Hyperlinks to Support Continued Learning

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Article Hyperlinks to Support Continued Learning

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11292667/

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380792611_Cultural_diversity_in_maternity_care_in_improving_the_quality_of_care_services_a_systematic_review

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Article Hyperlinks to Support Continued Learning

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Article Hyperlinks to Support Continued Learning

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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7485314/

https://www.currentpediatrics.com/articles/the-effect-of-kangaroo-care-on-fathers-attachment-levels-and-their-participation-in-baby-care-19024.html

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Asian Woman Psychiatrist Doctor Holding Hand Stock Photo 2645574845 | Shutterstock. (2025). Shutterstock. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/asian-woman-psychiatrist-doctor-holding-hand-2645574845

Loso Judijanto, Siti Solihat Holida, Safari, G., & Andiyan Andiyan. (2024, June 6). Application of therapeutic communication as a talking technique between nurses and patients. ResearchGate; unknown. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381226687_Application_of_therapeutic_communication_as_a_talking_technique_between_nurses_and_patients

Nice Session Attractive Confident Male Patient Stock Photo 769907653 | Shutterstock. (2017). Shutterstock. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/nice-session-attractive-confident-male-patient-769907653

Sharma, N., & Gupta, V. (2023, August 2). Therapeutic Communication. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567775/

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Levitan, S. E., & Schoenbaum, S. C. (2021). Patient-centered care: Achieving Higher Quality by Designing Care through the Patient’s Eyes. Israel Journal of Health Policy Research, 10(1), 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13584-021-00459-9

Švab, I., & Cerovečki, V. (2024). Person-centred care, a core concept of family medicine. European Journal of General Practice, 30(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/13814788.2024.2393860

Woman Looking New Business Career Opportunities Stock Vector (Royalty Free) 2087004685 | Shutterstock. (2021). Shutterstock. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/woman-looking-new-business-career-opportunities-2087004685

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A diverse group of pregnant women representing various cultures come together in the third trimester sharing smiles and camaraderie | Premium AI-generated image. (2024). Freepik. https://www.freepik.com/premium-ai-image/diverse-group-pregnant-women-representing-various-cultures-come-together-third-trimester-sharing-smiles-camaraderie_178306634.htm

Dwi Indah Iswanti, Rio Ady Erwansyah, Made, I., Moh Yanuar Saifudin, & Tri Ismu Pujiyanto. (2024). Cultural diversity in maternity care in improving the quality of care services: a systematic review. International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS), 13(3), 1258–1267. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijphs.v13i3.24143

Gardner, A., Oduola, S., & Teague, B. (2024). Culturally Sensitive Perinatal Mental Health Care: Experiences of Women From Minority Ethnic Groups. Health Expectations, 27(4). https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.14160

in. (2025). Multicultural Babies Images – Browse 9,690 Stock Photos, Vectors, and Video. Adobe Stock. https://stock.adobe.com/ca/search?k=multicultural+babies&asset_id=735301365

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Bigelow, A. E., & Power, M. (2020). Mother–Infant Skin-to-Skin Contact: Short‐ and Long-Term Effects for Mothers and Their Children Born Full-Term. Frontiers in Psychology, 11(1921). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01921

Gulay Manav, Busra Marash, Pelin Uymaz. (2021). The effect of kangaroo care on father’s attachment levels and their participation in baby care. Current Pediatric Research; Biomedical Research. https://www.currentpediatrics.com/articles/the-effect-of-kangaroo-care-on-fathers-attachment-levels-and-their-participation-in-baby-care-19024.html

Park, I. (2016, May 3). father carrying little daughter with kangaroo in blossom park. IStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/father-carrying-little-daughter-with-kangaroo-in-park-gm520976970-91179999?searchscope=image%2Cfilm

With, S. (2024, June 5). A new Mother, of African decent, holds her baby on her shoulder as... IStock. https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/skin-to-skin-with-mom-gm2156120265-576898884?searchscope=image%2Cfilm

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Hi, and welcome to today's podcast! I will explore several key aspects of nursing practice in five different episodes. I am glad you are here. Sit back, relax, and let us dive into today's conversation. First, I will tackle stigma and mental health, exploring how stigma can prevent patients and their families from seeking help, and how nurses can foster supportive, non-judgmental spaces. Next, I delve into therapeutic communication, highlighting techniques such as active listening, empathy, open-ended questions, and nonverbal cues to build rapport and clarify concerns, which invite open expression from patients in mental health settings. Following that, I discuss patient-centered care, emphasizing the importance of tailoring assessments and interventions to meet each patient’s unique needs, preferences, and values. I then explore cultural sensitivity, focusing on how awareness and respect for different cultural backgrounds can improve trust and care outcomes in maternal-child nursing. Finally, I spotlight kangaroo care and skin-to-skin contact, evidence-based practice shown to strengthen bonding and regulate newborns' vital signs such as heart rate, breathing, and temperature.