Postpartum Home Visits by Maternity Nursing Students

Novice Home Visitors Teaching/Learning Needs

“…Existing literature suggests students feel insecure in the visiting nurse role (Friedemann, 1983). For example, it was observed that students are often unsure of their accumulated professional knowledge and are nervous about being able to answer family members' questions (Barrett, 1982). Providing interpersonal support has been suggested as one way to assist students in making the transition to increased independence associated with nursing in the home (Edwards, Eyer, & Kahn, 1985).…”

Helping Students Assess Parenting Education Needs

“…Home visits to childrearing families are generally included in baccalaureate programs and may be required for public health, maternity (Barrett, 1982), and other family-centered care nursing courses. Once in the family's home, the student may find it awkward to assess parents' education needs because she or he wants to facilitate parents' self-diagnosis of such needs yet has little experience in how to structure mutuality into the assessment approach.…”