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Artifact: TED talk by Heather Sarkis - Stop the Stigma

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In this TED talk, Heather Sarkis emphasizes the need to normalize conversations around mental health. She shares how stigma not only silences those struggling, but also creates barriers to seeking help and recovery. As a nursing student who has done a mental health placement, this talk highlights an important part of our role, being an advocate. We are in a unique position to both recognize and address stigma, whether it's in the healthcare system, among peers, or within our own biases. I was importantly reminded in my mental health placement that mental health is just as important as physical health and that healing starts when people feel safe enough to speak up without fear of judgment. Learning to talk about mental health allows me as a student to develop empathy and become a more compassionate nurse. I have learned through clinical that mental health nursing isn't just about treatment, it's about creating space for people to feel heard, respected, and supported. Being open about mental health also helps us take care of ourselves in a profession that can be emotionally demanding, and with having experienced mental health struggles myself in the past, I believe it is crucial to break the stigma around mental health and advocate for mental health patients

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Artifact: Visual Art Project by Elsa Daws

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My visual art project symbolizes mental health and stigma's around it. The image is meant to symbolize the hidden struggles many individuals face with mental health. While someone may appear composed, smiling and happy on the outside, as represented by the right side of the brain, there can be overwhelming emotions beneath the surface, seen on the left side, of fear, anxiety, depression, and burnout. This duality captures the mental health stigma of the pressure to seem fine and keep your struggles in, in a world that tends to misunderstand or judge what can’t be seen. As a future nurse this reminds me that mental illness doesn’t always have visible signs and that empathy, awareness, and nonjudgmental care are crucial with any patients, and especially in mental health care. It’s easy to focus on what’s presented externally by patients, but in mental health nursing, we should look beyond that and listen, ask, and understand our patients on a deeper level. The visual metaphor I used encourages me to be more present, understanding, and to advocate for mental health as something we should talk about openly and not hide from.

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Ahad, A. A., Sanchez-Gonzalez, M., & Junquera, P. (2023). Understanding and Addressing Mental Health Stigma Across Cultures for Improving Psychiatric Care: A Narrative Review. Curēus (Palo Alto, CA), 15(5), e39549–e39549. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.39549

Duncan, P., & Strong, Z. (2024). Laughing with Me, Not at Me: The Importance of Challenging Stereotypes and Misconceptions in Mental Health and Neurodivergence. Journal of Disability & Religion, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/23312521.2024.2441436

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The topic of mental health stigmas is important to me because during my mental health clinical placement, I saw firsthand how stigma impacts patients' self-worth and willingness to seek support. I met individuals who were hesitant to speak openly because they were worried they would be judged. Seeing this in real-life situations made me realize how crucial it is for nurses to create a safe, nonjudgmental environment. It also helped me understand that mental illness can affect anyone, and mental health stigmas only add to the pain people are already experiencing. This experience has strengthened my commitment to advocating for mental health awareness and promoting dignity and respect in every patient interaction.

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Trauma-informed care in maternal nursing has really stood out to me during this clinical placement. I’ve come to realize that you never really know what someone’s been through, and how much past experiences can affect their experience with pregnancy, birth, or parenting. Being trauma-informed is all about approaching patients with kindness, patience, and giving them a sense of control, which makes the care experience better for everyone involved. It’s helped me be more aware of my words and actions, and be a more thoughtful and intentional support nurse during a really big moment in someone’s life.

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Artifact: Picture Taken of Bravery Bead Program at clinical placement in NICU

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This artifcact shows a program at the hospital of my clinical placement called the "bravery bead program", where families with a loved one in the NICU can collect a bead for each milestone during their stay such as first bath, first time breastfeeding, phototherapy and more, to make a necklace out of as a reminder of the journey their baby is taking. This is meaningful to me because my niece was a baby in the NICU and it was a traumatic and hard experience for our whole family, and I believe this program adds some home to the journey the families endure. My aunt was scared to be pregnant again after having a baby be in the NICU, and this served as a reminder that you never know what a family, especially a mother is going through no matter what number pregnancy it is, and that trauma-informed care is always necessary in maternal care for every patient.

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Podcast Part 1: Trauma-Informed Maternal Care

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Podcast Part 1: Trauma-Informed Maternal Care

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This artifact is a quote that I found that really stuck with me because it’s such a powerful reminder of truly how important trauma-informed care is, especially in maternal and child health. As a nursing student in my maternal/child placement, I’ve seen how vulnerable the postpartum period can be, and knowing that suicide is a leading cause of maternal death is honestly heartbreaking. It makes you realize that the way we care, listen, and support someone really does matter and can make all the difference. Especially since childbirth and pregnancy can be so traumatizing for some, past trauma and other factors can contribute and as nurses it is crucial to keep that all in mind with maternal patients. I think sometimes we as humans wait for big change to come from somewhere else, but this quote reminds me that it starts from within us, as nurses and as people. Learning trauma-informed care isn’t complicated, and it’s something I can carry with me into every interaction as I grow into this role, especially in the maternal/newborn area.

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Endres, K. H., & Maurer, G. M. (2024). REVIVE Is an Evidence-Based Approach for Nurses to Universally Apply Trauma-Informed Care in Maternity Settings. Nursing for Women’s Health, 28(6), 485–491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nwh.2024.05.006

Choi, K. R., Records, K., Low, L. K., Alhusen, J. L., Kenner, C., Bloch, J. R., Premji, S. S., Hannan, J., Anderson, C. M., Yeo, S., & Cynthia Logsdon, M. (2020). Promotion of Maternal–Infant Mental Health and Trauma-Informed Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 49(5), 409–415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogn.2020.07.004

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Therapeutic communication to me is such a key part of nursing because it highlights how communication with your patients is not just about what we say, it’s how we connect, build trust, and actively listen to our patients. For me, learning how to use therapeutic communication has informed my nursing care, as I remember during a mental health placement, I sat with a patient who was anxious and withdrawn and instead of rushing through questions, I sat quietly, used open-ended prompts, and gave them space to speak when they were ready. That moment taught me that presence and patience can be just as powerful as any clinical skill. It’s helped me grow more confident in building relationships with patients and has shaped how I approach care with more empathy, intention, and awareness.

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Artifact: Song, Lean on Me by Bill Withers

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This artifact is the song, “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers. This song beautifully captures the nature of therapeutic communication, especially in mental health settings. The lyrics speak to the importance of being there for someone in their time of need and struggle whether it be offering support, understanding, and a safe space, which is exactly what therapeutic communication aims to do. In mental health nursing, we’re often the person patients lean on, not to fix everything for them but to listen to them without judgment and remind them they’re not alone. The song’s message of empathy, connection, and vulnerability mirrors the important role we play as nurses, being present, offering comfort, and building trust through our words and actions. It’s a reminder that sometimes, just being there and saying “i'm here for you” can mean everything to someone struggling.

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Artifact 2: TED talk by Laurel Braitman - The mental health benefits of storytelling for health care workers

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This podcast ties in perfectly with the concept of therapeutic communication in mental health settings. In it, she explores how sharing our own stories and truly listening to others can be a powerful tool for healing, connection, and emotional release, especially for those of us working in healthcare. As a nursing student, this really resonated with me because therapeutic communication isn’t just about supporting our patients, it also involves reflecting on our own experiences and being emotionally present. Storytelling helps create space for vulnerability, empathy, and understanding, which are all foundational to building meaningful nurse-patient relationships. This podcast reminded me that taking time to hear someone’s story, or even share a little of our own when appropriate, can foster trust and make people feel seen and heard and not so alone.

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Xue, W., & Heffernan, C. (2021). Therapeutic communication within the nurse–patient relationship: A concept analysis. International Journal of Nursing Practice, 27(6), e12938-n/a. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijn.12938

Aznar-Huerta, A., Moreno-Poyato, A. R., Cardo-Vila, G., Vives-Abril, T., & Leyva-Moral, J. M. (2024). Understanding the Process of Acceptance Within the Nurse–Patient Therapeutic Relationship in Mental Health Care: A Grounded Theory. Healthcare (Basel), 12(22), 2233-. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12222233

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This quote is to me the core of mental health care and therapeutic communication. In mental health settings, encouraging someone to open up, especially when it's uncomfortable or painful, is often the first step toward healing. It reminds me that communication doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be honest and safe. This quote is important to me because I’ve seen in mental health clinical placement how powerful it can be when someone finally feels like they can let it all out without fear of judgment. Communicating and having a therapeutic relationship with patients also positively impacts their care and contributes to better health outcomes, so this quote is an important reminder that my presence and patience when talking and caring for someone in those hard moments can make a real difference in their care journey to feeling better and healed.

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Podcast Part 2 : Therapeutic Communication in Mental Health Care

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Podcast Part 2 : Therapeutic Communication in Mental Health Care

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Cultural competency is important in maternal and newborn care because every family brings their own beliefs, traditions, and values into the birthing experience. As a nursing student, it is really important that I understand and respect these differences as it helps provide care that’s not only safe and effective, but also meaningful and supportive for each individual and aligns with their preferences. In our maternal child placement I’ve seen how even small gestures like asking about cultural preferences or being aware of language barriers, can make a huge difference in how comfortable and respected a patient feels. It’s important to me because I want every mom and patient in general that I care for to feel seen, heard, and valued, no matter their cultural background. Learning to provide culturally competent care is helping me grow into a more empathetic and inclusive nurse.

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Artifact 1 - Picture taken of artwork at mat/child clinical placement

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This artwork that I saw in our maternal child placement made me think of connection, care, and the beauty of diversity, which correlates with cultural competency in maternal/child care. The image shown of the giraffes, which I believe represent a parent and baby, surrounded by vibrant colors, butterflies, and tropical plants, reminds me that every family comes from a unique background, shaped by culture, environment, and tradition. Just like in the picture, no two stories are the same and as a nursing student that really stands out to me. Cultural competency is about recognizing and respecting those differences in every interaction, especially during something as personal and vulnerable as pregnancy and parenting. This theme is important to me because I want every parent to feel safe and respected in my care, and that starts with seeing their individuality, not just their diagnosis or chart. This artwork feels to me like a visual reminder that warmth, connection, and cultural respect all belong in the care we give.

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Artifact 2: Lady Gaga - Born This Way (Official Music Video)

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The song Born This Way by Lady Gaga immediately stood out to me as art that reflects cultural competence. The song is such a powerful anthem of self-acceptance, identity, and embracing who we are, and to me it really connects to the idea of cultural competence, especially in maternal/child care. The message that everyone deserves to be respected and valued for who they are, regardless of background, beliefs, or identity, is exactly what culturally competent care is all about. In maternal/child nursing, we’re often supporting people at some of the most vulnerable and meaningful moments in their lives. This song reminds me that every family has the right to feel safe, seen, and honored for their unique values and experiences. As a future nurse, this song inspires me to show up with compassion and open-mindedness, and to always meet patients where they are whether that means understanding cultural birth traditions, respecting gender identities, or simply listening without judgment. It’s important to me because I want to be a nurse who not only provides care, but creates a space where people feel fully accepted just as they are.

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Lady Gaga - Born This Way (Official Music Video)

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Guarda-Rodrigues, J., Ferreira Calado Dias, M. P., Rodrigues Fatela, M. M., Rosa Jeremias, C. J., Gonçalves Negreiro, M. P., & Lemos e Sousa, O. (2025). Culturally competent nursing care as a promoter of parental empowerment in neonatal unit: A scoping review. Journal of Neonatal Nursing : JNN, 31(1), 31–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnn.2024.08.007

Tønnessen, S., Scott, A., & Nortvedt, P. (2020). Safe and competent nursing care: An argument for a minimum standard? Nursing Ethics, 27(6), 1396–1407. https://doi.org/10.1177/0969733020919137

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Podcast Part 4: Cultural Competence in Maternal/Newborn Care

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Podcast Part 4: Cultural Competence in Maternal/Newborn Care

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The role of the nurse in supporting parents goes far beyond just medical care, it’s about being a steady and reassuring presence during one of the most life-changing and emotional times in someone’s life. Nurses are often the first to answer questions, calm fears, and guide new parents through the early stages of bonding, feeding, and caring for their newborn. During one of my maternal placements, I worked with a first-time mom who was feeling overwhelmed and unsure about breastfeeding. I sat with her, offered encouragement, and offered referring her to the lactation consultant, and after some assistance and education she felt confident enough to try again and succeeded. This was a notable experience for me because I helped and marked a milestone moment for her. That experience reminded me that sometimes, it’s little moments of support that stick with people the most. It showed me that being present and willing can empower parents and help build their confidence and I want to continue that into my practice as a nurse.

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Artifact 1: Picture of sign in maternal child placement

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This sign I saw in clinical on the maternal child unit got me to reflect on what it means to be in this role, especially when it comes to supporting new parents. It’s such a simple message, it means a lot. As a student, I’ve seen how much of an impact nurses can have just by being present and supportive during those early, emotional moments after birth. Parents that I help care for in my maternal child placement often express so much gratitude and thanks towards me for assisting and caring for them, and for me it is a part of the job and doesn't seem like a big deal, but I recognize it is making an impact for them and they are truly grateful for what I do. Seeing this kind of appreciation for nurses reminds me why I’m doing this. It’s moments like those, either verbal or quiet acts of support, that show and encourage us as nursing students that the way we care for people is appreciated.

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This quote captures the heart of nursing and how it relates to helping support new parents. In those first moments after birth, parents are usually overwhelmed and emotional, and it is a big time for them that you are apart of as a nurse. They might not remember every piece of advice we give or every task we do, but they’ll remember how we made them feel in a brand new chapter of life. This reminds me that my presence matters just as much as my skills. I think back to a time I helped a parent who was nervous about taking their newborn home as a first time parent. I didn’t have all the answers, but I offered reassurance, answered questions I could, and just heard them out. This quote encourages me to always lead with empathy in these interactions as supporting new parents isn’t just a task, it’s a chance to be part of an experience they’ll remember forever and I want to do everything I can to make that memory a positive one.

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Artifact 3: Picture taken on first day of maternal/child clinical

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This photo is of the first day of my maternal/child clinical placement. I remember standing in the hallway and looking up at the signs and feeling a mix of excitement, nerves, and uncertainty about what the day would hold. It was such a reflective moment before stepping into a space where so many life-changing events take place. Looking back now, I realize how much growth has come since that moment. Walking through those doors for the first time, I didn’t fully understand the role nurses play in supporting new parents. But day by day, I saw whether it was helping a nervous dad change his first diaper or offering a new mom encouragement during recovery. The photo might seem simple but to me, it represents the start of something memorable in my nursing journey, where I began learning how to bring care and comfort to parents who had just brought new life into the world.

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Podcast Part 5: The Role Of The Nurse in Supporting New Parents

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Podcast Part 5: The Role Of The Nurse in Supporting New Parents

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Waddington, C., Veenendaal, N. R., O’Brien, K., & Patel, N. (2021). Family integrated care: Supporting parents as primary caregivers in the neonatal intensive care unit. Pediatric Investigation, 5(2), 148–154. https://doi.org/10.1002/ped4.12277

Stelwagen, M. A., van Kempen, A. A. M. W., Westmaas, A., Blees, Y. J., & Scheele, F. (2020). Integration of Maternity and Neonatal Care to Empower Parents. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 49(1), 65–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogn.2019.11.003