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I chose this topic because it reflects the balance between the technical skills I’m learning—administering treatments, assessing symptoms—and the human connection that makes nursing meaningful. Care is essential for addressing physical health, but without caring, it risks becoming mechanical and detached. For me, nursing is about more than solving medical problems; it’s about recognizing the person behind the illness, building trust, and offering compassion. This balance of skill and empathy is what drew me to nursing and what motivates me to grow in both areas.

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Maya Angelou, a poet, author, and civil rights activist, was celebrated for her profound ability to capture the complexities of the human experience through her words (Spring, 2017). Her advocacy for compassion and dignity resonates deeply with the principles of nursing, making this quote particularly meaningful in the context of care versus caring.

The quote emphasizes the holistic nature of nursing, where care involves attending to physical needs, but caring reaches deeper—healing the heart, mind, and soul of patients and their families. It highlights that while technical skills (care) are essential, the emotional impact of genuine connection and empathy (caring) leaves a lasting impression. Patients may forget the details of their treatments, but they will always remember how they were made to feel.

This message is central to the care versus caring discussion, reminding nurses that their role goes beyond procedures to fostering trust, compassion, and humanity in every interaction. It reinforces the idea that caring transforms clinical tasks into meaningful acts of healing.

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the Royal Alexandra Hospital. (2015). The Difference Between Care & Caring. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkf-WxMZVP8 

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Artifact Two: The Difference Between Care & Caring

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Artifact Two: The Difference Between Care & Caring

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The video from the Royal Alexandra Hospital in 2015 beautifully captures the balance between care and caring. While care involves the medical interventions like administering medication and ensuring physical comfort, the decision to bring the married couple into the same room and place their beds close together represents something deeper. It’s an act of caring, showing a profound understanding of the emotional and relational needs that contribute to healing. By giving them a moment to reconnect, the staff recognized that healing isn’t just about treating the body—it’s also about nurturing the spirit and fostering human connection, especially in times of vulnerability. This powerful moment reminds us that true care in nursing encompasses both the physical and emotional dimensions of a person’s well-being.

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Babaei, S., Taleghani, F., & Farzi, S. (2022, August 31). Components of compassionate care in nurses working in the cardiac wards: A descriptive qualitative study. Journal of caring sciences. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9720497/

Gustin, L. W. (2024). Caring science matters. Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 38(4), 817–819. https://doi.org/10.1111/scs.13301

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Welcome to Episode One of Echoes & Artifacts! In this podcast, we dive deep into the essence of nursing by exploring the dynamic relationship between care and caring.

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I chose the topic of breastfeeding education because I believe that proper guidance and support are crucial for parents to make informed decisions that benefit both their health and their baby's. As a nursing student, I recognize that many parents face challenges such as stigma, lack of support, or misinformation, which can make breastfeeding feel like an overwhelming or unattainable goal. Education is key to helping parents understand its benefits, overcome barriers, and feel supported in their choices.

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Artifact one shows a meaningful moment of breastfeeding education, where a nurse is providing hands-on support to a new mother while she breastfeeds her baby. This image is significant because it demonstrates the crucial role healthcare professionals play in guiding and educating parents on proper breastfeeding techniques. It reflects the real-world application of breastfeeding education, where nurses help new parents overcome common challenges, such as achieving a proper latch and finding a comfortable position. For me, this image represents the importance of compassionate, evidence-based support in empowering families to confidently make informed decisions about breastfeeding, ensuring both the mother and baby’s health and well-being.

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This photo challenges breastfeeding stigma by featuring over 100 mothers nursing their babies in a group photo at a local park in Texas. The image not only normalizes breastfeeding but also sends a bold message of solidarity and empowerment. By capturing such a large group of mothers comfortably breastfeeding in public, it disrupts the societal taboos and negative stereotypes often associated with nursing. The photograph encourages acceptance and redefines what is considered “appropriate” or “normal” in public spaces. It serves as a reminder that breastfeeding is a natural and empowering experience, deserving of respect and support, not judgment.

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HealthLinkBC. (2023). Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding or chest feeding | HealthLink BC. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/breastfeeding

Kalarikkal, S. M., & Pfleghaar, J. L. (2023, April 8). Breastfeeding. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534767/

Nursing for Women’s Health. (2021). Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk. http://nwhjournal.org/article/S1751-4851(15)30193-8/fulltext

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Episode Two: Breastfeeding Education and Support

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Episode Two: Breastfeeding Education and Support

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Episode Two: Breastfeeding Education and Support

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Welcome to episode two of Echoes and Artifacts! Today, we’ll discuss breastfeeding—its benefits, challenges, and the stigma often associated with it. We’ll also explore how education and support can help empower parents and change societal perceptions around breastfeeding. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation on this important topic.

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Cultural competency is important to me because it helps me provide the best care possible for all patients, regardless of their background. As a nursing student, I will encounter individuals with different experiences, values, and needs, and understanding their cultural perspectives is key to offering respectful and effective care. Being culturally competent allows me to avoid misunderstandings, build trust, and ensure that patients feel comfortable and respected, which is essential for positive health outcomes. This skill is crucial in my future career, as it supports my ability to work in any healthcare setting and ensures that I am always putting the patient’s needs first.

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This image I painted represents the array of lived experiences that individuals carry with them, reflecting the essence of cultural competency in healthcare. Just as each flower is unique in color and form, so are the cultural identities, histories, and personal experiences of patients. In healthcare, it's essential to understand that a person's health needs are deeply influenced by their background, values, and the challenges they face. Cultural competency involves recognizing and respecting these individual variations, and delivering care that is both inclusive and effective. By embracing this diversity, healthcare providers can offer more holistic, person-centered care that meets the unique needs of every patient.

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Martin, R. (2023). You’re Doing It Wrong: The evolution of cultural competence | Raquel Martin | TEDxRutgersCamden. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNCu1ED0Zsk 

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Artifact Two: Cultural Competency Training

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Artifact Two: Cultural Competency Training

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In her TED Talk, Dr. Raquel Martin critiques the effectiveness of typical cultural competency training, arguing that most of these programs miss the mark by failing to address the deeper issues of racism, identity, and systemic oppression. She discusses how the original vision of cultural competency—focused on meaningful engagement with diverse populations—has been diluted into superficial approaches that don’t lead to lasting change. Dr. Martin emphasizes that cultural competency training needs to go beyond knowledge acquisition and focus on self-awareness, empathy, and systemic change. The talk highlights that real cultural competency training should involve actively dismantling oppressive structures and providing tools to create safe, inclusive spaces.

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You're Doing It Wrong: The evolution of cultural competence | Raquel Martin | TEDxRutgersCamden

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Cultural competence in nursing: Addressing the social determinants of health. Cultural Competence in Nursing: Addressing the Social Determinants of Health | The University of Tulsa. (2024, August 8). https://online.utulsa.edu/blog/cultural-competence-in-nursing/

Power Wiradjuri, T., Wilson, D., Geia, L., West, R., Brockie, T., Clark, T. C., Bearskin, L. B., Lowe, J., Millender, E., Smallwood, R., & Best, O. (2021). Cultural Safety and Indigenous Authority in nursing and Midwifery Education and practice. Contemporary Nurse, 57(5), 303–307. https://doi.org/10.1080/10376178.2022.2039076

Zghal, A., El-Masri, M., McMurphy, S., & Pfaff, K. (2020). Exploring the impact of Health Care Provider Cultural Competence on new immigrant health-related quality of life: A cross-sectional study of Canadian newcomers. Journal of Transcultural Nursing, 32(5), 508–517. https://doi.org/10.1177/1043659620967441

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Welcome to episode three of Echoes and Artifacts! Today, we’ll be diving into the important topic of cultural competency—exploring its significance in healthcare, how it impacts patient care, and why it’s crucial for fostering inclusive and effective practices in diverse communities. Stay tuned as we unravel the layers of this essential concept!

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Person- and family-centered care is important to me because it ensures that patients and their families are treated as active participants in their care, with their unique needs, preferences, and values guiding the process. This approach fosters trust, strengthens communication, and leads to better health outcomes by recognizing the significance of emotional, social, and cultural contexts in healthcare. I chose this topic because it reflects my commitment to relational practice and my belief in the power of social supports. By focusing on care that is rooted in respect and collaboration, I aim to create positive patient experiences and achieve meaningful outcomes as a healthcare provider.

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Alberta Health Services. (2017). What Patient and Family Centered Care Means to Me - Respect. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qasIQr7Z7pA  

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Artifact One: What Patient Centered Care Means to Others?

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Artifact One: What Patient Centered Care Means to Others?

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In this video, various individuals share their personal health journeys, each emphasizing the importance of feeling seen and heard in the healthcare system. They reflect on their unique definitions of respect and person-family centered care, illustrating that these concepts vary based on individual experiences. What particularly stands out is how the individuals describe their care providers' approach to treating them as whole people rather than simply addressing a diagnosis or condition. This personalized care fostered a deeper sense of trust, dignity, and empowerment, highlighting the transformative impact that truly understanding a patient’s story and needs can have on their overall well-being and healing process.

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What Patient and Family Centred Care Means to Me - Respect

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This image exemplifies person- and family-centered care by stressing the individual's comprehensive perspective. The core focus on "The Whole Person" highlights how care providers should take into account a person's values, family dynamics, personal style, interests, skills, talents, and objectives, rather than merely focusing on their physical condition. The connected arrows symbolize the ongoing and dynamic process of recognizing and responding to a person's changing requirements, demonstrating that every area of a person's life, including family and career goals, influences their care. This approach is consistent with the ideas of person-centered care, in which patients and their families are considered as partners in the healthcare process and get care personalized to their own circumstances and desires.

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Coleman, J., & Cortes, C. (2024, September 26). The power of patient- and family-centered care. American Nurse. https://www.myamericannurse.com/the-power-of-patient-and-family-centered-care/

Kiwanuka, F., Shayan, S. J., & Tolulope, A. A. (2019). Barriers to patient and family‐centred care in Adult Intensive Care Units: A systematic review. Nursing Open, 6(3), 676–684. https://doi.org/10.1002/nop2.253

Mahomed-Asmal, F., Graham, M. A., Glade, R., & Nicholson, N. (2024, July 23). Editorial: Rehabilitation, communication disorders and person-family-centered care. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/rehabilitationsciences/articles/10.3389/fresc.2024.1458662/full

Michigan Health & Hospital Assosiation. (2023). A roadmap to person and family engagement. MHA Person and Family Engagement Advisory Council. https://www.mha.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/PFE_Roadmap_Brochure_2023_v9-PROOF.pdf

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Episode Four: Person and Family Centered Care

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Episode Four: Person and Family Centered Care

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Episode Four: Person and Family Centered Care

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Welcome to episode four of Echoes and Artifacts! Today, we’re exploring Person- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) and its vital role in improving healthcare. We’ll discuss how involving both patients and their families in the care process leads to better outcomes and what challenges, like resource limitations and time constraints, impact its implementation. Stick around as we dive into strategies for promoting PFCC in healthcare systems!

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Mental health stigma is a critical issue because it perpetuates barriers to care and contributes to inequities in healthcare delivery. It often results in individuals being dismissed or unfairly judged, which can exacerbate their conditions and discourage them from seeking support. Stigma erodes trust and undermines the compassionate, patient-centered care that should be at the core of healthcare. As a nursing student, I am deeply committed to addressing these biases, fostering equitable treatment, and advocating for a system that upholds respect, dignity, and evidence-based practices for all individuals, regardless of their mental health status.

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Stoszkowski, J. (2024, May 24). Emma Goldman: Anarchism, activism, and living your beliefs. https://johnstoszkowski.com/blog/emmagoldman 

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Artifact One: "The Most Violent Element in Society is Ignorance"

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Artifact One: "The Most Violent Element in Society is Ignorance"

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Emma Goldman, an activist, was a prominent figure in advocating for social and political change, emphasizing freedom, equality, and knowledge (Stoszkowski, 2024). Her quote, "The most violent element in society is ignorance," highlights how ignorance perpetuates societal harm by fostering fear, prejudice, and lack of understanding. This quote speaks powerfully against mental health stigma. Ignorance about mental health contributes to discrimination, fear, and misunderstanding, which in turn isolates individuals and hinders their access to care. By addressing this ignorance—through education and open dialogue—society can reduce stigma and create an environment that promotes empathy, acceptance, and support for individuals with mental health challenges.

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The quote "I am still me, no matter my mental health" by Niki McBain challenges the stigma surrounding mental health by emphasizing the unchanging humanity and individuality of people experiencing mental health challenges. It reinforces the idea that a person's identity is not defined or diminished by their mental health condition. Instead, the quote promotes self-acceptance and encourages others to view mental health as just one aspect of a person, rather than as a defining label. This message challenges the societal stigma that often reduces individuals to their diagnoses, ignoring their talents, relationships, and contributions. By reminding both individuals and society that mental health struggles do not erase one's worth or identity, the quote fosters a sense of dignity and belonging. This shift in perspective can help create a more inclusive environment where people feel seen for who they truly are, free from judgment or discrimination.

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Hajizadeh, A., Amini, H., Heydari, M., & Rajabi, F. (2024, November 8). How to combat stigma surrounding mental health disorders: A scoping review of the experiences of different stakeholders - BMC psychiatry. BioMed Central. https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-024-06220-1

Rüsch, N., Angermeyer, M. C., & Corrigan, P. W. (2020, April 16). Mental illness stigma: Concepts, consequences, and initiatives to reduce stigma: European Psychiatry. Cambridge Core. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/european-psychiatry/article/mental-illness-stigma-concepts-consequences-and-initiatives-to-reduce-stigma/3AE7283F0F35980994B4BD71E92C3C08

Shahwan, S., Goh, C. M., Tan, G. T., Ong, W. J., Chong, S. A., & Subramaniam, M. (2022). Strategies to reduce mental illness stigma: Perspectives of people with lived experience and caregivers. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(3), 1632. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031632

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Welcome to Episode 5 of Echoes and Artifacts! Today, we'll be diving into a powerful and important topic: mental health stigma. We'll explore the impact stigma has on individuals living with mental health challenges, how it affects treatment and recovery, and discuss ways to break down these barriers.

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Welcome to Echoes and Artifacts, a podcast designed for nursing students, by a nursing student! I’m your host, Mikaela Pagliaro, and in this series, we’ll dive into essential topics that are fundamental to our growth as future nurses. First up, we'll explore the difference between care vs. caring, reflecting on how our approach to patient relationships not only impacts their health outcomes but also shapes the experience of care itself. We’ll also discuss the critical role of breastfeeding education, cultural competency, and person- and family-centered care, understanding how these concepts empower patients and families while improving health outcomes. Finally, we'll tackle the important issue of mental health stigma, exploring how we, as nurses, can work to break down these barriers and provide compassionate care. Join me as we explore these vital topics and discuss how they’ll shape the nurses we aspire to become!