The experiences of intrapartum nurses in a northeastern Ontario, Canada setting in providing labour support

Abstract

A qualitative, interpretive descriptive study, using a symbolic interactionism theoretical framework, was conducted to explore the experiences of intrapartum nurses in a Northeastern Ontario, Canadian hospital and the meaning they place on providing labour support. There is substantial literature that supports the many benefits of labour support provided by intrapartum nurses. Throughout the intrapartum experience, the nurse influences, creates, and shapes the meaning and understanding of the labour experience. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight registered nurse participants recruited from a hospital. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed for themes. The following five themes emerged from the data: Enhancing the birthing experience of women through labour support, birthing technology and medical paradigm, birthing environment that influences the intrapartum nursing care, interprofessional collaborative relationships and intrapartum specialists. The findings suggest that intrapartum nurses have been drawn away from providing labour support and have become preoccupied with managing technology and competing priorities for their time and attention. Barriers and challenges in the experience of nurses providing labour support were identified. Suggestions for nursing practice include the importance of continuing education for labour support techniques and tools. Training is important for all nurses who practice in hospitals where less labour support may be offered due to high intervention rates. Competence validation would include creating a certification for labour support that is both theoretical and a simulated experience.