Thinking Relationally Joanna Assuncao

Maternal morbidity and mortality is an issue that is prevalent all over the world, and when it occurs it is heartbreaking and overwhelming for the family. Nurses have the responsibility of using relational inquiry and using the 5’cs, especially compassion when helping those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. There are many factors that must be considered in maternal mortality such as systemic racism, SDOH, and inadequate amounts of resources.

Family is vital in providing safe and respectful care to patients. Everybody has a different perspective about the meaning of family to them, therefore, it is important for the nurse to inquire about what this means to the patient. Through understanding this, nurses can work in partnership with patients and families using the family centred care approach. As a part of this approach, nurses would use information sharing, respect, partnership, collaboration and negotiation to help patients and families.

Culture affects how individuals are situated and constituted. From a relational perspective, culture contributes to the creation of a person's beliefs and values, however, culture does not predetermine an individual's thoughts. Culture helps us build up our personal backpacks. Nurses should take the cultural safety approach to care for patients.

“A caress, a smile, is full of meaning for one who is sick. It is a simple gesture, but encouraging, he or she feels accompanied, feels closer to being healed, feels like a person not a number. - Pope Francis.”

“Some of the most comforting words in the universe are ‘me too.’ That moment when you find out that your struggle is also someone else’s struggle, that you’re not alone, and that others have been down the same road.” - Unknown