Helpful

• Thanks to my mentor Deborah, I have always provided my audience with the visual of a woman's cervix's opening and stretching during labor, throughout my presentations. Not only does the Cervical Dilatation Chart provide my audience and I with a visual, but to feel how thin a woman's cervix can get throughout her labor.

Blog 22: Final Lesson Reflection

1. What are you most proud of in your Final Lesson Presentation and/or your Senior Project? Why?

• What I am most proud of in my Final Lesson Presentation is, my activity. I felt that students were very engaged and had fun participating. The activity also taught the students various pain relief methods, labor and birthing positions many didn't know. 

2. A) What assessment would you give yourself on your Final Lesson Presentation?

• If I were to assess myself on my Final Lesson Presentation, I would give myself a P. Due to my presentation meeting all requirements for P consideration. My volume, eye contact, content clarity, and powerpoint was precise and clear; along with my references to my research, examples, and mentorship.

     B) What assessment would you give yourself on your overall Senior Project?

• The assessment I would give myself on my overall Senior Project, would be a P. I have completed and turned in all assignments. I've also worked really hard through out this school year and dedicated a lot of time, most others won't do.

3. What worked for you in your Senior Project?

• What worked for me in my Senior Project was, my mentorship and research. My mentorship had provided me with a full hands-on experience, while my research provided me with an a bundle amount of information and statistics, that I was not going to learn from mentorship itself.  

4. What would you have done differently to improve your Senior Project? 

• What I would have done differently to improve my Senior Project, would have definitely been to include a variety of settings. Such as birthing centers and home births, rather than to be mentoring at a hospital solely.  

5. How has the Senior Project been helpful to you in your future endeavors? 

• The Senior Project has been helpful to my future endeavors by, providing me with a professional mind set and a career goal setting.

Blog 21: Mentorship

1. Literal 

• My Senior Project Hours link, on the upper right hand side of my blog, contains the total number of mentorship hours completed along with descriptions to describe my tasks. 
• My mentor's name is, Deborah Nakielski and I have mentored at Kaiser Permanente Hospital, in Baldwin Park. 

2. Interpretive

• The most important thing that I have gained from my mentorship, would be the hands-on experience. Through my hands-on experience, I was able to interact with various nurses and be a part of their daily routines. Which was very exciting and unlikely for someone else my age to participate in.  

3. Applied 

• What I have done at mentorship helps me answer my essential question by, helping and teaching me to understand the different roles and positions a Labor and Delivery Nurse must be and take before, during, and after a woman's labor. 

Blog 20: Exit Interview

1. What is your essential question, and what are your answers? What is your best answer and why?

• My essential question is, Which role of a Labor and Delivery Nurse is most important to ensure a successful birth?
• My answers are: 
• Labor and Delivery Nurses must be educated of a woman's body before, during, and after birth.
• Labor and Delivery Nurses must be able to provide emotional support, care, comfort, and fulfill the needs of the patient. 
• Labor and Delivery Nurses must be able to cope, move quick, understand, and handle stress at any time, given the type of situation and current condition the patient is in. 
• My best answer would be, Labor and Delivery Nurses must be able to provide emotional support, care, comfort, and fulfill the needs of the patient. Due to statistics and research showing that the behaviors of labor support from nurses, can have the ability to affect a woman's birthing experience. 

2. What process did you take to arrive at your best answer?

• The process that I took in order for me to arrive at my best answer, would definitely be through research and mentorship. From my research, not only have I learned that labor support can affect birthing experiences, but is also one of the most important keys to a successful birth. Mentorship has also provided me with an hands-on experience, which has taught me the real job of a Labor and Delivery Nurse. 

3. What problems did you face? How did you resolve them? 

• I didn't encounter any sort of problems, while trying to come across my best answer or trying to prove it. Since I have both research and mentorship to support my findings. 

4. What are the two most significant sources you used to answer your essential question and why?

• My first significant source that I used to answer to my essential question is, "Factors Associated With Labor Support Behaviors of Nurses" by Samantha J. Barrett and Mary Ann Stark. I used this source because it has provided me with research and statistics, which I needed to really support my best answer.  
• My second significant source would be, "Lesson 5: Special Situations in Labor and Delivery". This source was also helpful, because it provided me with a list of instructions and duties a Labor and Delivery Nurse must complete and be in a variety of situations, which supports my third answer. 

Guidance

• For the majority of my research, I have used a book called, "Labor and Delivery Nursing" by Michelle L. Murray and Gayle M. Huelsmann. This book has really helped me understand the different roles and positions a Labor and Delivery Nurse must be and take. Not only has this book provided me with insight, but with an education on different topics such as Functional, Mechanical, and Emotional Dystocia I would have never come across on my own. I don't just use this book for research, but also for my own personal use and enjoyment. I know that may sound a bit funny for some people, but being as passionate as I am on Labor and Delivery Nursing, it's exciting and intriguing.

Blog 19: Independent Component 2

1. Literal 

• I, Seanna Vasquez, affirm that I completed my Independent Component which represents 30 hours of work.
• The instructor who has helped me complete my Independent Component is, Mandi Woolery who can be contacted at (909) 609-7558. 
• I have updated my Independent Component 2 hours in my Senior Project Hours link. 
• What I have done in order to complete my Independent Component 2, is by attending a birthing class called The Bradley Method.  

2. Interpretive 

Women and their coaches discussing their week, with the instructor. 

• The birthing class that I have taken shows my time, effort, and commitment. I have demonstrated 30 hours of work by learning, taking notes, and participating. The class has provided my senior project topic with significance by supporting my answers for my essential question. 

3. Applied 

• This Independent Component has helped me answer my essential question by providing me with insight on how to really care for a woman in labor. From what not to do, what to do, communicating, emotional support, birthing positions, to pain relief methods.

M.I.A. (Missing In Action) Part 2

• Sadly, I was not able to attend the STD presentation that was scheduled today with my mentor, due to unexpected events at home. However, I was able to set up an interview date with a Labor and Delivery Nurse, who seems very polite and easy-going. So I'm excited for that, and relieved that I am not procrastinating. 
• We'll see how April goes!

Blog 18: Fourth Interview Preparation

1. List twenty questions you want to ask an expert in the field of your senior project. 

• Studies and research have shown, that Labor and Delivery Nurses have a significant impact on a woman's birthing experience, how do you relate to that?
• When a woman arrives at the hospital in labor, what standard procedures are done?
• Typically, how many Labor and Delivery Nurses are assigned to one patient?
• What is key, into building a relationship with your patient?
• Do you ever conflict with a patient's birthing doula and/or family members?
• How often do you check up on a woman, who is labor? 
• How often do you address the patient's physician, while she's in labor?
• How do you read a woman's body language? 
• What's a woman's typical behavior while she's in labor?
• How is a woman with the "Baby Blues" cared for?
• What kind of care is given to a woman who is pain, and not wanting to receive any medication? 
• How do you encourage natural birth, if that is in the woman's birth plan? 
• What are your procedures after a baby has been delivered?
• How different are after care procedures, if the baby is premature? 
• How do you attend a woman and/or a physician during a cesarean section?  
• Have you ever preserved a woman's delivered placenta?
• Do you teach woman how to breastfeed and care for their baby? 
• Have you ever delivered a baby before, when the physician was not able to make it on time?
• On average, how long do women and their newborn(s) have to wait, before being discharged from the hospital?
• How do you manage to remain calm, professional, educated, and stress free with the pressure of your job?

Blog 17: Answer 3

1. What is your essential question?

• My essential question is, Which role of a Labor and Delivery Nurse is most important to ensure a successful birth?

2. What is your third answer?

• My third answer is, Labor and Delivery Nurses must be able to provide emotional support, care, and fulfill the needs of the patient.   

3. List three details to support your answer.

• It has been shown and proven throughout various of studies, that Labor and Delivery Nurses do have a significant impact on women and their birthing experiences, providing me with evidence that emotional care and support is an important key to a successful birth. 
• Throughout my studying and findings from my Independent Component birthing classes, the emotional care and support provided from the nurse and others around the patient has been greatly emphasized and taught. 

4. List the research sources that helps you support your answer three. 

• The research sources that helps me support my third answer are, "Factors Associated With Labor Support Behaviors of Nurses" and "The Evidence Supporting Nursing Management of Labor".  

5. Concluding thought:

• Labor and Delivery Nurses have much more of an impact on women and their birthing experiences, than the actual physician themselves due to the emotional care and support provided throughout a women's labor, creating a bond between the Labor and Delivery Nurse and the patient. 

M.I.A. (Missing In Action)

• Unfortunately this month, I have done nothing exciting or new at mentorship to write about. However, next month my mentor will be presenting another STD presentation, in which I will attend and help out throughout her lecture. The upcoming STD presentation will have the same setting as the previous one I attended to, just with a larger of an audience this time. 
• There will be more information to come, next month!

Blog 16: Answer 2

1. What is your essential question?

• My essential question is, Which role of a Labor and Delivery Nurse is most important to ensure a successful birth? 

2. What is your first answer?

• My first answer is, Labor and Delivery Nurses must be educated of the woman's body before, during, and after birth. 

3. What is your second answer?

• My second answer is, Labor and Delivery Nurses must know how to handle different types of situations.  

4. List three reasons why your second answer is true. 

• My second answer is true because situations such as the woman's cervix not dilating, the fetus being breeched, and/or emergency caesarean section requires immediate attention from the Labor and Delivery Nurse and he/she must not panic or cause any kind of stress upon the woman who is in labor. Those nurses who do not remain calm, will increase the chances of complications and prevent a smooth delivery. 

5. What printed source best supports your second answer? 

• The printed source that best supports my second answer is, "Lesson 5: Special Situations in Labor and Delivery". 

6. What other printed source supports your answer?

• The other printed source that supports my second answer is, "The Evidence Supporting Nursing Management of Labor".  

7. Concluding thought: 

• Labor and Delivery Nurses have a strong impact and outcome in each birth, due to the emotional support that is provided unconditionally to women and their education on how to provide to each situation. 

Blog 15: Independent Component 2 Approval

1. Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours.

• What I plan on doing for my 30 hours, is to take multiple classes such as prenatal, birthing, lamaze, breastfeeding, breathing, pain management, etc.; at Kaiser Permanente Hospital and/or health clinics. During each class, I will participate, watch, learn, and take notes.  

2. Discuss how or what you will do to meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence. 

• To meet the expectation of showing proof and evidence of 30 hours of work completed, I will probably turn in pictures, notes, certificates, brochures, and possibly videos.

3. Explain how this component will help you explore your topic in more depth. 

• Taking classes as part of my Independent Component, will help me explore my topic more in depth by understanding how women may feel and do before, during, and after birth. Understanding means better communication; and that is one key to a successful delivery, in which a Labor and Delivery Nurse must master. 

4. I have updated my Senior Project Hours log.

Blog 14: Independent Component 1

1. Literal 

• I, Seanna Vasquez, affirm that I completed my Independent Component which represents 34 hours of work.
• The two instructors who have helped me complete my Independent Component, are Jenice Burris who can be contacted at (909) 342-0827 and Mandi Woolery, who can be contacted at (909) 609-7558. 
• I have updated my Independent Component 1 hours in my Senior Project Hours link. 
• What I have done in order to complete my Independent Component 1, is by attending two birthing classes called Prepared Childbirth and The Bradley Method.  

A Certificate of Completion from the Child Preparation class.

2. Interpretive 

• The birthing classes that I have taken shows my time, effort, and commitment; demonstrating 34 hours of work by I learning, taking notes, and participating. Providing my senior project topic with significance by contributing multiple answers to my essential question.   

3. Applied 

• This component has really helped me understand the foundation of my topic, by teaching me how mentally and physically prepared women must be, in order for the great change in life ahead of them. For example, The Bradley Method teaches women and their coaches how to bond over the life they have created. While the Child Preparation class, teaches women how to best be prepared for physical changes and recovery. The classes have been great and helpful in my general goals overall. 

Blog 13: Lesson 2 Reflection

1. What are you most proud of in your Lesson 2 Presentation and why?

• What I am most proud of in my Lesson 2 Presentation is, my visuals and props that I provided to my audience. I felt that my visuals and props gave my audience a better understanding and more of a clearer picture, than what I was providing vocally. 

2. What assessment would you give yourself on your Lesson 2 Presentation? Explain why you deserve that grade. 

• If I were to assess myself on my Lesson 2 Presentation, I would give myself a P; due to my lesson plan and presentation meeting all requirements for P consideration. My volume, eye contact, content clarity, and powerpoint was precise and clear; along with my references to my research, examples, and mentorship. 

3. What worked for you in your Lesson 2 Presentation?

• What worked for me in my Lesson 2 Presentation was, addressing and interacting with my audience; because it kept the class alive and not boring. 

4. What would you have done differently to improve your Lesson 2 Presentation?

• What I would have done differently to improve upon my Lesson 2 Presentation, would have to be my activity. Although my activity was not boring and interactive, it was just not as lively as I wanted it to be. 

5. What do you think your answer 2 is going to be?

• I think my second answer for my essential question would be, that Labor and Delivery Nurses must be able to cope, keep calm, move quick, understand, and handle stress in any type of situation, all while being professional at the same time.

Blog 12: Mentorship 10 Hours Check

1. Where are you doing your mentorship? 

• I am currently doing my mentorship at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Baldwin Park, and at my mentor's house.   

2. Who is your contact?

• My contact is my mentor, Deborah Nakielski, CNM.  

3. How many hours have you done?

• I have completed a total of twenty-three mentorship hours. 

4. Summarize the 10 hours of service you did. 

• During the ten mentorship hours I have completed, I have toured a Natural Birth Center and Women's Wellness, attended a STD presentation while my mentor presented, observed video taped births, and have done independent work.

The Bradley Method

The instructor demonstrating a squatting position, for daily exercise. 

• Today was the start of an another birthing class that I am taking for my Independent Component, called the Bradley Method. The Bradley Method is a system of natural labor techniques, in which a woman and her coach (significant other) play an active part during labor and teaches natural childbirth using breathing, relaxation, nutrition, exercise, and education. This simple method increases self-awareness and teaches a woman how to deal with the stress of labor by tuning in to her own body.  
• The class was very interesting to see how active the woman's coach must be, in order to be apart of her journey throughout pregnancy, labor, and birth. The Bradley Method has to be one of my favorite techniques, due to the fact that this method requires the coach to be fully supportive and understanding of the woman and what she is going through. 

Blog 11: Holiday Project Update

1. What did you do over the break with your senior project?

• Due to my mentor's schedule, I wasn't able to start on any hours. 
• I was also supposed to start a new birthing class for my Independent Component 1, but the class got cancelled due to the instructor being a doula and attending a birth that evening.     

2. What was the most important thing you learned from what you did, and why? What was the source of what you learned? 

• Since I did not complete any mentorship hours and didn't start on a new birthing class, I cannot say that I have learned something with importance.   

3. If you were going to do a 10 question interview on questions related to answers for your EQ, who would you talk to and why? 

• If I were going to do a 10 question interview on questions related to answers for my essential question, I would speak to a Labor and Delivery Nurse. Due to the knowledge and experience that a Labor and Delivery Nurse has and recommendation given to me by Dr. Nancy M. Baisch, MD., (A former interviewee of mine).