Activities and interactions in level II nurseries: A report of an ethnographic study

This article reports an ethnographic study that examines the context and na ture of the interactions between health professionals and parents in two Au stralian level II nurseries: 724 observations were recorded over an 18-week period. Analysis revealed that although the presence of mothers in the nur sery was high, registered nurses remain the primary caretakers of the infan ts. The interactions between registered nurses and mothers were found to be action- or task-oriented with communication largely being described as "in strumental." The results of this pilot work suggest that the emphasis of cl inical practice in level II nurseries remains focused on eating for the inf ant and teaching the mother. This is in contrast to the current body of lit erature that identifies the need for a family-centered approach to care tha t aims to support parents as they develop confidence, attach to their baby, and become skilled in providing care themselves.