Childbirth in different cultures is treated as a traumatic life crisis and a time of vulnerability for the mother and infant. This qualitative descriptive study explored specific concerns related to pregnancy and childbirth in 52 Hmong women living in central and northeastern Wisconsin. Women were questioned using a semistructured interview about 4.6 months after childbirth. They described concerns related to breastfeeding, contraception, touch, communication with health caregivers, and procedures performed during childbirth. Women preferred bottle-feeding over breastfeeding. They reported difficulty practicing birth control because of cultural expectations of male and female roles, but were aware of the need for education about methods of contraception. Fear of miscarriage if they were touched by doctors and nurses resulted in delayed prenatal visits. The women believed that invasive procedures such as episiotomies and circumcisions are not natural, and they preferred natural tearing and healing. It is important for health caregivers to be culturally sensitive and understanding of Hmong practices and beliefs when touching and communicating with these women and when educating them about breastfeeding, contraception, and medical procedures during hospitalization.

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate staff use of crisis prevention intervention (CPI) techniques in averting crisis episodes at the various levels (anxiety, defensive, and acting out) of a crisis (resulting in reduction of seclusion and restraint episodes and patient/staff injuries). A descriptive correlational research design was used. Data were collected by nurse observers trained in CPI techniques through observation of patient incidents and staff interventions. A 51-item CPI instrument based on the CPI training program techniques was developed and used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, t tests, ANOVA, and the Scheffe test. One hundred forty-six observations of patient incidents were completed on both day and evening shifts. The results of the study indicate that staff use of CPI training program techniques was effective in resolving crises in 84.2% of the episodes observed and over a wide variety of diagnostic and functional levels.

The purpose of this study was to explore the cultural practices and beliefs of the Hmong in the postpartum period. Using the qualitative research method of in-depth interviewing, data were collected through semistructured interviews. A convenience sample of 52 childbearing Hmong women was interviewed with the help of Hmong interpreters. The interviews were audiotaped and transcribed for analysis. Data analysis revealed cultural practices and beliefs categories related to diet, rest period, appropriate clothing, breast feeding, and sex practices in the postpartum period. Implications for nursing include both cultural sensitivity and an understanding of such traditional practices, before suggesting or implementing any health-promotion activities.

Undergraduate nursing students are frequent users of social media sites; however, the ethical or professional implications surrounding the use of online social networking sites are ambiguous and understudied. Faculty guidance is needed if students are to gain the necessary skills and values to appropriately use social media while maintaining professional accountability. The authors discuss the outcomes of a study that assessed their students' sensitivity to posting clinical information on social media sites.