NSG 209 Maternity Self-Reflection Journal Tool

Maternity Self-Reflection Journal

The clinical experience throughout the week in the maternity unit has continued to influence my understanding of nursing practice and interventions for patients during labor, delivery, and postpartum. Reflecting on this experience will not only help me gauge my learning, but also assess progress and set goals for the next clinical day. According to Ait Ali et al. (2025), reflective practice in nursing education enhances emotional resilience and professional growth. This reflection presents how I participated in the care of patients in the unit and applied the QSEN competencies: patient-centered care, teamwork and collaboration, and evidence-based practice. It will also include my goal for the next clinical day.

Patient-Centered Care

I provided patient teaching that focused on helping a patient who was experiencing prolonged labor understand why labor progression can vary and the interventions required if the delay continued. Prolonged labor refers to when a patient’s labor extends beyond the normal duration, causing both physical exhaustion and emotional distress to the patient (Shields, 2023). Due to the effects of the situation, I noted that the patient’s fatigue made it difficult for her to process information fully. However, the nurse offered brief, clear explanations and repeated key points when needed. We also ensured care integration through continuous monitoring, pain management support, and emotional encouragement, ensuring that the patient felt heard and supported, thus helping her remain engaged despite the anxiety and frustration.

Teamwork and Collaboration

The staff on labor, delivery, and postpartum units worked together as a team from assessing patients from the point of admission, throughout labor progression, delivery, up to discharge. They would communicate appropriately and give all the necessary patient information; for instance, when a patient is being transferred from the delivery to the postpartum unit, ensuring they get appropriate interventions and nursing care. However, during periods of high activity, I noted communication breakdowns as team members would give brief and rushed information. Ganisia and A’zdom (2025) note that effective communication is crucial in maternal healthcare for preventing errors, building trust, and improving maternal experiences. If I were the nurse leader, I would focus on improving communication by ensuring that important details are clearly shared, especially during shift changes and when patient conditions change, thus addressing the communication breakdown and promoting excellence in maternal care.NSG 209 Maternity Self-Reflection Journal Tool

Evidence-Based Practice

I observed and assisted with several procedures related to labor and delivery care, including fetal heart rate monitoring, maternal vital sign assessments, contraction monitoring, and preparation of equipment used during labor support. I also observed the nurse assist with pain management interventions and provide continuous assessment of the mother’s condition throughout labor. The maternity-specific safety protocols I witnessed include verifying both maternal and fetal identification, closely monitoring fetal heart tracings for signs of distress, and maintaining sterile technique during procedures. These protocols are especially important in the maternity unit because nurses are responsible for the safety the mother and the baby at the same time. Unlike other medical units, conditions in maternity care can change rapidly, and delays in recognizing complications may place both lives at risk (Flaherty et al., 2022).

Goals for the Next Clinical Day

If I had been the staff nurse rather than a student, I would have taken a more active role in providing continuous updates to the patient and her family throughout the prolonged labor process. I would have focused on explaining each stage more clearly and offering additional emotional support to reduce anxiety and frustration. In my next week of practice, I plan to implement this by initiating more frequent check-ins with patients and ensuring that families are included in discussions when appropriate. This week has changed my perspective on maternity nursing by showing me that it requires not only clinical knowledge but also patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to support patients through physically and emotionally.

Conclusion

My experience throughout this week in the maternity unit reinforced the importance of patience, communication, and teamwork in managing complex labor situations. It highlighted how nurses play a critical role in supporting both the physical and emotional needs of patients. Unlike other clinical areas, maternity care requires continuous assessment, strong communication, and the ability to respond quickly to changes in both maternal and fetal conditions. Moving forward, I will continue to develop my skills to provide safe and compassionate care.

References

Ait Ali, D., Elhad, H., Dihadril, S., Ait Baja, Z., Jaa, M., Ali, S. A. B., Korchyou, Y., Loud, N., El Khiat, A., El Houate, B., Rizzo, A., Chirico, F. & Khabbache, H. (2025). Assessing stress and reflective practice among nursing students during clinical practicum. Teaching and Learning in Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.teln.2025.06.014

Flaherty, S. J., Delaney, H., Matvienko-Sikar, K., & Smith, V. (2022). Maternity care during COVID-19: a qualitative evidence synthesis of women’s and maternity care providers’ views and experiences. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 22(1), 438. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-022-04724-w

Ganisia, A., & A’zdom, M. K. (2025). Effective communication in midwifery practice strengthening patient trust and maternal health outcomes. Journal of Nutrition and Health Care, 65-73. https://doi.org/10.62012/junic.vi.33

Shields, S. G. (2023). The Experience of Prolonged Labor. In Women-Centered Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth (pp. 147-150). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429272219-30

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