Nine active-duty registered nurses from the Maternal Child Infant Nursing Department attended the Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune's first Perinatal Orientation and Education Program Feb. 2-12.

The program, which is licensed by the Association of Women's Health, Obstetrics, and Neonatal Nurses, is designed to provide nurses with the theoretical knowledge needed to provide holistic, family-centered care to women, their infants and family members, during preconception, antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum periods.

In order to reinforce the learning objectives, the course was enhanced by the addition of a basic fetal monitoring component, obstetric perioperative familiarization, and simulation.

The course consisted of 10 modules divided into 90 or 120-minute sessions. The modules were delivered by 20 different perinatal experts who ranged from physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, international board certified lactation consultants and doulas, who provide continuous emotional and practical support for families.

This diverse group of instructors used their unique clinical experiences and expertise to optimize the learning experience.

Lt. j.g. Emma DiPrinzio, a student in the program, commented on the way Cmdr. Micheal Sexton delivered his topic-disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).

"I have never heard DIC explained that way; he made it so easy to understand," said DiPrinzio.

Several instructors shared personal experiences while others incorporated activities and games that appealed to different learning styles. Among the most popular games was a television-like quiz, which was incorporated into Ensign Kaitlyn Tighe's topic on thyroid disorders.

For more news from Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune, visit www.navy.mil/local/nhcl/