In an article published in the Journal of Transcultural Nursing, Black nurses revealed the benefits and difficulties related to providing culturally specific perinatal health care.
“Black perinatal health [care] workers are part of a tradition of Black people fighting for the well-being of Black communities,” the authors wrote.
Investigators used descriptive quality research to better comprehend the experiences of Black nurses in a culturally specific perinatal public health program. A focus group was conducted with 7 nurses and community health workers. The investigators assessed the data using thematic analysis.
According to the findings, the following themes emerged: A shared lived experience and parallel process between staff and clients; navigating multiple shifting gazes between clients, public health departments, and medical systems; and reproductive justice and community care characterize a culturally informed approach.
“Findings revealed strengths and complexities facing Black nurses and community health workers in their roles. More work is needed in education, practice, and research to better prepare and support nurses and community health workers in culturally specific settings,” the researchers concluded.
