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While working with a 49-year-old woman with schizophrenia, I saw firsthand how stigma affected her trust in care providers. By learning her story and respecting her pace, I began to understand how trauma-informed and stigma-aware care builds therapeutic alliances.

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This symbolizes how patients often feel fragmented, but relational nursing can help reflect wholeness.

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I created this during my clinical reflection and it helped me understand the system-level barriers patients face.

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I often witnessed how stigma created emotional distance between patients and staff. This artwork reflects one moment that stood out to me when a patient sat alone, withdrawn, while others spoke about him in labels rather than as a person. It felt like an invisible wall had formed. This image helped me process that experience, reminding me how even small acts of compassion, like a kind word or gentle presence, can start to break that wall down.

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During my postpartum placement, I supported a first-time mother who was tearful, anxious, and overwhelmed during the second night postpartum. By sitting with her, validating her fears, and listening without rushing, I witnessed how simply being present allowed her to feel seen and heard. This moment taught me that postpartum care is not just about clinical tasks,it’s about emotional connection and understanding the unique journey of each mother.

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This artwork represents the emotional and spiritual support provided during postpartum care. It reflects the essence of relational inquiry,meeting mothers where they are, acknowledging their emotions, and creating a space of safety and empathy.

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This huddle board was more than just a communication tool,it reflected the relational culture of the postpartum unit during my placement. Through daily updates, staff compliments, and improvement ideas, I saw how relational inquiry was embedded in everyday practice.The board reminded me that effective nursing is not just about tasks, but about how we engage with others,being curious, compassionate, and responsive. It showed how the unit created space for shared learning and relational accountability, reinforcing that safe, quality care depends on strong connections, open dialogue, and respect for everyone’s voice. It inspired me to see communication not as routine, but as a relational practice that builds trust and supports holistic, person-centered care.

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This image represents a powerful moment during my postpartum placement. The lullaby “You Are My Sunshine” was softly playing on the mother’s tablet as I supported her in latching her newborn for the first time. She began to cry,not from frustration, but from overwhelming joy. The familiar melody brought comfort and calm, grounding both of us in that shared moment. This experience reminded me that relational nursing extends beyond words and actions,it includes emotional, sensory, and cultural awareness. Music, presence, and gentle support created a space where the mother felt safe, seen, and celebrated.

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Price, S., & McGillis Hall, L. (2014).
The history of nurse staffing in Canada: Is it time to care about nursing care?
Healthcare Policy, 10(1), 12–18.
https://doi.org/10.12927/hcpol.2014.23953

Kirkham, M. (2010).
Emotional work around reproduction: Supportive or burdensome?
Midwifery, 26(2), 302–309.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2008.07.005

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The Power of Relational Inquiry in Postpartum Care

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Fenwick, J., Hammond, A., Raymond, J., & Hunter, B. (2012). Surviving, not thriving: A qualitative study of newly qualified midwives’ experience of their transition to practice. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 21(13–14), 2054–2063. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2702.2012.04090.x

Hartrick Doane, G., & Varcoe, C. (2015). How to nurse: Relational inquiry with individuals and families in changing health and health care contexts. Wolters Kluwer.

Kirkham, M. (2010). Emotional work around reproduction: Supportive or burdensome? Midwifery, 26(2), 302–309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2008.07.005

Price, S., & McGillis Hall, L. (2014). The history of nurse staffing in Canada: Is it time to care about nursing care? Healthcare Policy, 10(1), 12–18. https://doi.org/10.12927/hcpol.2014.23953

Scharff, R., & Kindsvatter, A. (2016). Lullabies and attachment: Understanding the connection between music and mother-infant bonding. Journal of Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology and Health, 30(4), 320–330.

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My experience in the NICU showed me the true meaning of relational nursing. I saw how including families in care,through touch, voice, and presence made a real difference in both infant outcomes and parental well-being. The way nurses supported bonding and respected parents as part of the team inspired me. It reminded me that care isn’t just clinical,it’s emotional and relational too. This experience deepened my commitment to family centered care in all areas of nursing.

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This piece symbolizes the spirit of resilience and connection I witnessed in the NICU. The children painting bright colors over a grey background reflect how families and healthcare providers bring warmth, strength, and hope into a clinical space that can often feel cold and uncertain. The word “Hope” at the center represents the emotional bond between parent and child, even in the face of fragile beginnings. For me, this image captures the heart of family centered care,where even the smallest gestures, like touch or voice, paint over fear with love and possibility.

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This quote came to mind during a critical moment in the NICU. A nurse advocated for a parent to remain at the infant’s bedside during rounds, despite pushback. The insistence on preserving the parent’s role reminded me that emotional harm can be done when families are excluded. True healing requires not just clinical excellence, but empathy, inclusion, and shared presence.

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Artifact 3:Quote by Florence Nightingale – “It may seem a strange principle to enunciate as the very first requirement in a Hospital that it should do the sick no harm.”

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Artifact 3:Quote by Florence Nightingale – “It may seem a strange principle to enunciate as the very first requirement in a Hospital that it should do the sick no harm.”

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1.It may seem a strange principle to enunciate as the very first requirement in a hospital that it should do the sick no harm.2.Were there none who w...

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This image of the NICU entrance alongside a ready to use neonatal warmer captures more than just a clinical space.it represents a place where critical care and compassion meet. During my placement, I had the opportunity to witness how nurses in the NICU went beyond technical care to create a supportive environment for families. Parents were not only allowed but encouraged to be present with their newborns, participate in care routines, and engage in important decisions.

The presence of advanced equipment like the Dräger warmer reflects the urgency and precision of neonatal care, but the real heart of the NICU lies in the way staff embraced the emotional needs of parents. I observed moments where nurses gently coached new parents through skin to skin contact, reassured them during procedures, and made space for bonding, even in high-acuity situations.

This artifact is meaningful to me because it reminds me that in nursing, especially in high-tech areas like the NICU, relational practice is essential. Family centered care ensures that healing involves both the infant and their loved ones, preserving connection, trust, and hope in the earliest stages of life.

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Feeley, N., Genest, C., Niela-Vilén, H., Charpak, N., Axelin, A., Cormier, C., ... & D'Amour, D. (2016). Parents and nurses balancing parent-infant closeness and separation: A qualitative study of NICU nurses’ perceptions. BMC Pediatrics, 16, 83. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-016-0615-3

O'Brien, K., Robson, K., Bracht, M., Cruz, M., Lui, K., Alvaro, R., ... & Lee, S. K. (2013). Effectiveness of Family Integrated Care in neonatal intensive care units on infant and parent outcomes: A multicentre, multinational, cluster-randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 1(3), 245–254. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(17)30097-3

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Feeley, N., Genest, C., Niela-Vilén, H., Charpak, N., Axelin, A., Cormier, C., & D'Amour, D. (2016). Parents and nurses balancing parent-infant closeness and separation: A qualitative study of NICU nurses’ perceptions. BMC Pediatrics, 16, 83. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-016-0615-3

Gooding, J. S., Cooper, L. G., Blaine, A. I., Franck, L. S., Howse, J. L., & Berns, S. D. (2011). Family support and family-centered care in the neonatal intensive care unit: Origins, advances, impact. Seminars in Perinatology, 35(1), 20–28. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.semperi.2010.10.004

O'Brien, K., Robson, K., Bracht, M., Cruz, M., Lui, K., Alvaro, R., & Lee, S. K. (2013). Effectiveness of Family Integrated Care in neonatal intensive care units on infant and parent outcomes: A multicentre, multinational, cluster-randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 1(3), 245–254. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(17)30097-3

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I chose the topic Breastfeeding as a Relational and Cultural Practice because of a powerful experience during my postpartum placement. I supported a new mother who was hesitant to breastfeed due to cultural beliefs about colostrum. Through gentle, culturally sensitive support, she was able to initiate breastfeeding and bond with her baby. This moment showed me that breastfeeding is much more than nutrition, it’s a deeply emotional and cultural experience. It involves trust, identity, family, and community. As nurses, supporting breastfeeding means understanding each family's unique values and creating safe, respectful spaces. This topic helped me see the importance of relational inquiry and cultural humility in maternal-child care.

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This artwork shows the bond between a mother and infant through breastfeeding. I used warm tones and soft textures to express closeness and love, and embedded traditional African patterns in the background to reflect the cultural roots that shape maternal care practices. It symbolizes how breastfeeding is both emotional and cultural, and how nurses can support both aspects through relational practice.

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During my postpartum clinical placement, I had the opportunity to present on the topic “Breastfeeding as a Relational and Cultural Practice.” I created this poster to reflect both the clinical and emotional aspects of breastfeeding that I observed while supporting new mothers. The poster highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity, relational inquiry, and individualized care when working with diverse families.I chose to focus on this topic after witnessing a mother who was initially reluctant to breastfeed due to cultural beliefs about colostrum. Through gentle support and nonjudgmental communication, we were able to navigate her concerns together. This experience made me realize how breastfeeding is not just a health intervention but a deeply personal, cultural, and relational act.The poster served as a visual aid during my presentation to spark discussion with peers and preceptors about how nurses can create culturally safe spaces and honor diverse infant feeding practices. It reinforced the importance of seeing each family holistically and supporting choices that reflect their values, traditions, and needs.

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Breastfeeding_ A Cultural and Relational Journey

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Artifact 3: Quote from Madeleine Leininger (1991)
“Care is the essence of nursing and the dominant, distinctive, and unifying feature.”

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Artifact 3: Quote from Madeleine Leininger (1991)
“Care is the essence of nursing and the dominant, distinctive, and unifying feature.”

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This quote resonates with how I now see breastfeeding: not as a clinical task, but as an act of care that requires cultural sensitivity and emotional presence. It encourages me to always center care that is meaningful, personalized, and culturally respectful.

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Wallace, L. M., & Marchant, S. (2020).
Supporting breastfeeding as relational practice in a multicultural context. Journal of Family Nursing, 26(3), 301–314. https://doi.org/10.1177/1074840720933866

Tomori, C., Palmquist, A. E. L., & Quinn, E. A. (2018).
Breastfeeding as a reproductive justice issue: Advancing equity in the United States. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 14(S3), e12527. https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.12527

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Boyd, M. (2022). Child health nursing in Canada (4th ed.). Pearson Education Canada.

Fairbrother, N., Thordarson, D. S., Stanger-Ross, I., & Surm, D. (2021). Psychosocial factors associated with breastfeeding outcomes. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 25(6), 943–952. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-021-03086-5

Leininger, M. M. (1991). Culture care diversity and universality: A theory of nursing. National League for Nursing Press.

Taylor, J., & Hutchings, M. (2022). Addressing disparities in breastfeeding support for women from diverse cultural backgrounds. Nursing for Women’s Health, 26(1), 24–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nwh.2021.12.003

Tomori, C., Palmquist, A. E. L., & Quinn, E. A. (2018). Breastfeeding as a reproductive justice issue: Advancing equity in the United States. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 14(S3), e12527. https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.12527

Wallace, L. M., & Marchant, S. (2020). Supporting breastfeeding as relational practice in a multicultural context. Journal of Family Nursing, 26(3), 301–314. https://doi.org/10.1177/1074840720933866

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During my psychiatric nursing placement, I learned that empathy and boundaries are not opposites,they are partners in therapeutic care. Empathy allows nurses to connect deeply with patients experiencing emotional pain, trauma, or mental illness, while boundaries protect both the patient and the nurse from harm, overinvolvement, or burnout. I chose this topic because it challenged me to reflect on how to be present and compassionate without losing sight of my professional role. In settings where patients may struggle with trust, emotional regulation, or dependency, maintaining therapeutic distance while offering authentic support is essential. This learning shaped my practice by teaching me how to care with empathy,grounded in ethics, self awareness, and relational integrity.

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This artwork depicts two hands reaching towards each other but not touching ,symbolizing the importance of therapeutic boundaries in psychiatric care. The eyes in the background represent empathy and presence. During my psychiatric placement, I worked with a patient with borderline personality disorder who struggled with intense fear of abandonment. This visual helped me process the balance between being emotionally present and professionally grounded. It’s a reflection of the tightrope we walk as nurses supporting without becoming enmeshed.

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Artifact 2:Quote – “Empathy without boundaries is self destruction.” – Silvy Khoucasian

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Artifact 2:Quote – “Empathy without boundaries is self destruction.” – Silvy Khoucasian

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This quote captures one of the deepest lessons I learned during my psychiatric rotation. While I felt immense compassion for clients facing trauma, addiction, and stigma, I realized that empathy without self-protection could lead to burnout. This quote was written in my clinical journal after a challenging day with a patient who projected strong anger toward staff. It reminded me that protecting my energy wasn’t unkind,it was ethical and sustainable.

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This artwork, titled "The Eyes of Understanding," captures a powerful visual narrative of human emotion through varied pairs of painted eyes, each set against a different colored background. During my psychiatric rotation, I noticed that patients often communicated more through their eyes and body language than through words. Each pair in this piece symbolizes a unique emotional state,anger, fear, sadness, numbness, and hope mirroring the range of emotions I witnessed in patients daily. Creating and reflecting on this artwork helped me understand that practicing psychiatric nursing requires tuning into nonverbal cues with empathy while maintaining professional boundaries. This piece became a visual anchor for me ,reminding me to meet each patient where they are, while protecting my own emotional well-being.

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Cleary et al. (2012)“Mental health nurses’ views of boundaries in clinical practice”📝 International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 21(3), 210–216🔗

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Barker, P. (2017). Psychiatric and mental health nursing: The craft of caring (3rd ed.). Routledge.

Cleary, M., Horsfall, J., O’Hara-Aarons, M., Jackson, D., & Hunt, G. E. (2012). Mental health nurses’ views of boundaries in clinical practice. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 21(3), 210–216. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0349.2011.00792.x

Foronda, C., MacWilliams, B., & McArthur, E. (2016). Interpersonal communication in healthcare: An integrative review. Nurse Education in Practice, 19, 36–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.2016.04.005

Jack, K., & Smith, A. (2007). Promoting self-awareness in nurses to improve nursing practice. Nursing Standard, 21(32), 47–52. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns2007.04.21.32.47.c4500

Morse, J. M., Bottorff, J. L., Anderson, G., O'Brien, B., & Solberg, S. M. (2006). Beyond empathy: Expanding expressions of caring. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 53(1), 75–87. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2006.03600.x

Peplau, H. E. (1997). Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations. Nursing Science Quarterly, 10(4), 162–167. https://doi.org/10.1177/089431849701000407

Silvy Khoucasian. (n.d.). Empathy without boundaries is self-destruction [Instagram post]. Instagram. Retrieved July 20, 2025, from https://www.instagram.com/silvykhoucasian/

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Title: Stigma and Recovery in Mental Health: A Critical Review of the Literature
Authors: Yanos, P. T., Lucksted, A., Drapalski, A. L., Roe, D., & Lysaker, P. H.
Journal: Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 38(2), 171–178.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/prj0000138

Nurses’ Role in Addressing Mental Health Stigma in Inpatient Settings
Authors: Happell, B., Byrne, L., Platania-Phung, C., Harris, S., & Roper, C.
Journal: Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 26(5–6), 177–185.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12534

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Corrigan, P. W., & Rao, D. (2012). On the self-stigma of mental illness: Stages, disclosure, and strategies for change. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 57(8), 464–469. https://doi.org/10.1177/070674371205700804

Happell, B., Byrne, L., Platania-Phung, C., Harris, S., & Roper, C. (2019). Nurses’ role in addressing mental health stigma in inpatient settings. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 26(5–6), 177–185. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpm.12534

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2014). SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach. https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/userfiles/files/SAMHSA_Trauma.pdf

Stuart, H. (2016). Reducing the stigma of mental illness. Global Mental Health, 3, e17. https://doi.org/10.1017/gmh.2016.11

Yanos, P. T., Lucksted, A., Drapalski, A. L., Roe, D., & Lysaker, P. H. (2015). Stigma and recovery in mental illness: A critical review of current research. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 38(2), 171–178. https://doi.org/10.1037/prj0000138

Thornicroft, G., Mehta, N., Clement, S., Evans-Lacko, S., Doherty, M., Rose, D., ... & Henderson, C. (2016). Evidence for effective interventions to reduce mental-health-related stigma and discrimination. The Lancet, 387(10023), 1123–1132. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)00298-6