Perinatal and Pediatric Bereavement in Nursing and Other Health Professions

[This] is a story of love, hope, and healing. There are 18 chaptersÖcovering intimate aspects of a young life ending and how those who remain behind can grieve in such a way that they can go on living. ÖThis book is a collection of clinical wisdom, theoretical knowledge, and models of care that can continue to tell the story and change cultures of care. As a palliative care nurse I am honored to write this Foreword and to be included in these pages with the authors who are truly pioneers in perinatal and pediatric bereavement."

√>=Betty Ferrell, PhD, MA, RN, FAAN, FPCN, CHPN

From the Foreword

This is a definitive, state-of-the-art resource on the vital pieces of perinatal and pediatric palliative care. Culling the most important new evidence-based research and findings from scholars and practitioners worldwide, it links theoretical knowledge and clinical practice to fill a gap in current information. The text is distinguished by its provision of different and even competing perspectives that address the complexities of the tragic human experience of perinatal, neonatal, and pediatric death and its focus on the nurses and other health care providers who provide care to those involved.

Contributors disseminate new theoretical approaches and reexamine current concepts in light of new research. They discuss the theoretical underpinnings of perinatal and pediatric bereavement, examine current thought on the dimensions of loss, deliver evidence-based clinical interventions, and offer the perspective of grieving families regarding their experiences and needs. The book provides both novice and experienced scholars of perinatal and pediatric bereavement with a strong foundation of current knowledge. With clinical interventions derived from research, the book enhances the expertise of clinicians caring for bereaved women and their families. It includes case studies, interview excerpts, graphics, and review questions to illustrate key points, and summaries demonstrating how theory is translated to clinical practice and informs research. Chapters provide objectives, references, and suggestions for additional study. The book is also a valuable study aid for students
preparing for the Pediatric Loss Certification (NBCHPN) exam.

KEY FEATURES:

• Provides high-level but accessible information from renowned scholars in perinatal and pediatric loss
• Disseminates the newest theoretical frameworks that can be used to create interventions and develop research.
• Includes case studies demonstrating how theory is applicable to research and practice
• Facilitates critical thinking with different and sometimes competing perspectives
• Serves as a valuable resource for Pediatric Loss Certification (NBCHPN) preparation

Beth Perry Black, PhD, RN, is an associate professor of nursing at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She teaches a graduate course, Death, Dying, and Care of the Bereaved, for nursing and social work students, an undergraduate course on nursing inquiry and evidence-based practice, and two graduate writing courses. She has published numerous articles on perinatal loss, several monographs, and book chapters; and authored a book on professional nursing practice. Dr. Black has had National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding twice to study perinatal loss and palliative care and recently completed a study on reproductive loss in lesbian couples.

Rana Limbo, PhD, RN, CPLC, FAAN, is the associate director and senior faculty consultant of ResolveThrough Sharing (RTS), Gundersen Health System, La Crosse, Wisconsin. She was the first coordinator of RTS, the premier international hospital-based perinatal bereavement program, which began in 1981. Dr. Limbo has written numerous articles, book chapters, two books, and is a frequent speaker on perinatal bereavement, guided participation, and relationship-based care She is a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing; an elected member of the International Work Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement; and certified in perinatal loss care.

Patricia Moyle Wright, PhD, CRNP, ACNS-BC, CHPN, CNE
Associate Professor
The University of Scranton Department of Nursing
Scranton, Pennsylvania