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Maternal Child and Family Health Nurses: Delivering a Unique Nursing Speciality

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Abstract

Introduction This study aimed to describe Maternal Child and Family Health Nurses’ (MCaFHNs) perception of their role across Australia. MCaFHNs deliver services to positively influence the growth and development of children in the early years. Little is known about their role as they deliver care to children and families in Australia. Methods This study used in-depth qualitative inquiry. Sixteen expert MCaFHNs from the eight jurisdictions in Australia took part in semi-structured interviews conducted from April 2013 to August 2013. The data were transcribed verbatim, validated by participants, and analysed thematically. Results The results indicated that the MCaFHNs’ role is embedded in the principles of primary health care under an umbrella of universal service delivery with increasing overall complexity. Health promotion and early intervention are key components of the role, with services focused heavily on child growth and development and maternal mental health. Delivery of services by MCaFHNs was enriched by specific approaches to care, such as working in partnership with families, and all aspects of the role were enabled by essential specialist skills and knowledge. Discussion While role descriptors, educational backgrounds and experiences vary, participants overwhelmingly report similarities in practice. This study identified tangible reasons for the development of a nationally consistent role and practice in Australia, enabling consistency and equity of best models of practice. Such a description is essential to enable transferability and comparison with nurses working in similar contexts internationally.

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Notes

  1. Australian is divided into eight states or territories. They will be collectively classified as a jurisdiction for the purport of this report.

  2. Marte Meo is a qualification where the practitioner works to identify, activate and develop skills to enable and enhance constructive interaction and development in families (Marte Meo International 2013).

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank everyone who participated in this study and declare there are no conflicts of interests.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia

    Sarah Fraser, Julian Grant & Trudi Mannix

Authors
  1. Sarah Fraser
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  2. Julian Grant
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  3. Trudi Mannix
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sarah Fraser.

Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Initial Question

  1. 1.

    When you are practicing as an expert clinical practitioner in your role as a MCFHN, what do you do in a typical day at work?

  2. 2.

    From your experience, what is it essential that MCFHNs know to be able to practice in the area?

  3. 3.

    Can you tell me about any special attributes you think if essential for MCFHNs to have?

Prompt Questions

(in response to indicated aspects of the role by the interviewee)

What programs are you involved with …?

  • What referral pathways do you use for …?

  • How do you do …?

  • What is your role in …?

  • Who is involved in …?

  • Are there other organisations involved with …?

  • What skills are needed to do …?

  • How do you complete …?

  • Do you use specific support when doing …?

  • How long does it take you to …?

  • Could… it be made easier? By what?

  • What attributes are needed to …?

  • Do you follow specific policies or protocols when doing …?

  • Why is … important?

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Fraser, S., Grant, J. & Mannix, T. Maternal Child and Family Health Nurses: Delivering a Unique Nursing Speciality. Matern Child Health J 20, 2557–2564 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-016-2081-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-016-2081-2

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