Women and Their Partners’ Perceptions of the Key Roles of the Labor and Delivery Nurse

Abstract

This descriptive qualitative study examined the perspectives of women and their partners regarding the key roles of the labor and delivery nurse during labor and birth.Ten couples were interviewed separately.The data analysis, conducted through independent and team analysis, was both iterative and interpretive. Participants identified four key roles of the labor and delivery nurse: support person, educator, patient advocate, and provider of continuity. Nurses provided both physical and emotional support.As an educator, they normalized the birth experience and served as a coach for the couple. Nurses advocated on behalf of the woman in labor, particularly when there was an adverse event. The continuity of care provided by the nurses wove the above roles into a cohesive whole. Findings provide important information for nursing educators, supervisors, and hospital administrators to reinforce the meaningful roles nurses serve in the labor and birth experiences of women and their partners.