The role of the nurse in childbirth: perceptions of the childbearing woman.

The purpose of this descriptive study was to describe the perceptions of childbearing women regarding the nurse's role during childbirth. A convenience sample of 26 married primiparous mothers experiencing uncomplicated vaginal births participated in interviews conducted within two weeks of childbirth. Descriptive content analyses were completed. Participants expressed satisfaction with nursing care, reporting that they were not aware of how much nurses really do. They described the competence of the nurses, the broad range of skills they possessed, and the high level of responsibility demonstrated. Domains of nursing support identified by these women included: emotional support, information support, and tangible support. This study will promote sensitive caregiving in order to meet more effectively the needs of the childbearing woman, thus promoting more positive childbirth outcomes.