This course focuses on the role of the nurse in promoting the optimal health of the childbearing family. The course is designed to develop and sharpen the student’s assessment skills of expectant and new families and of neonates; to further develop the student’s formulation of nursing diagnoses; and to give him/her practice in planning, implementing, and evaluating holistic care for the childbearing family. Principles of care, which are fundamental to Maternal-Child Nursing, are developed throughout the course, along with associated clinical skills. Clinical experiences and opportunities will be provided in a variety of acute care and community settings to enable students to apply nursing care principles.