Paradigms for assessment: women's knowledge and skill attainment.

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Women's Health
• Maternal-Child Health

Background:

• Women's experiences of pregnancy and postpartum are shaped by their life histories.
• Individualized care plans are essential for effective maternal-child nursing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe two assessment models for nurses working with women across the lifespan.
• To provide a framework for developing tailored care and teaching plans for pregnant and postpartum women.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the knowledge attainment model (Belenky et al., 1986).
• Applying the skill attainment model (Dreyfus & Dreyfus, 1996).
• Considering the woman's unique life experiences and integration of coping strategies.

Main Results:

• These models offer a comprehensive approach to understanding women's experiences.
• Assessment acknowledges the foundation built by past life events.

Conclusions:

• The knowledge and skill attainment models provide a blueprint for maternal-child nurses.
• These models facilitate the development of appropriate and individualized care and teaching plans for women.