Changes in maternity care and the impact on nurses and nursing practice.
OBJECTIVE
To determine changes maternity nurses have experienced and the impact these changes have had on nursing practice.


METHODS
Descriptive survey using a randomized sample.


METHODS
Four hundred fifty-one inpatient female maternity nurses.


METHODS
Changes in maternity care, impact of the changes on nursing practice, and personal and professional perceptions and activities before and after the changes.


RESULTS
Reported changes were use of technology, legal climate, shorter patient stay, cost containment, inclusion of family, cross training, consumer demand, and single-room maternity care. Inclusion of the family, technology, and single-room care were rated highly for worth and improvement in quality of care. Though described as challenging and rewarding, change was an energy drain. Change was often seen as a result of administrative mandate.


CONCLUSIONS
Perceptions of change vary, but no change is easy to implement. Opportunities for staff input, administrative support, and adequate time and staffing levels during change facilitate adjustment.
Stolte
K
K
University of Oklahoma College of Nursing, Oklahoma City.
Myers
S T
ST
Owen
W L
WL
D003363:Cost Control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007603:Jurisprudence; D007902:Length of Stay; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D016389:Maternal-Child Nursing / Q000639:trends*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012494:Sampling Studies; D013672:Technology