Chapter 1: Contemporary Perinatal & Pediatric Nursing in Canada

Perinatal nursing is defined as specialized care provided to individuals and families from the preconception phase through the childbearing year, whereas pediatric nursing focuses on the medical and developmental needs of children from birth until age 18. The text outlines the evolution of Canada's publicly funded healthcare model, highlighting how the Canada Health Act establishes core principles like universality and accessibility to shape the delivery of medically necessary services. A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), which are the economic and social conditions—such as income stability, education levels, and housing quality—that profoundly influence health outcomes for families. Particular attention is given to the health inequities faced by vulnerable populations, including the lasting impact of colonization and the residential school system on Indigenous communities, which has resulted in intergenerational trauma and unique barriers to care. The chapter also addresses the specialized needs of LGBTQ2 individuals, immigrants, and those experiencing homelessness, urging nurses to provide culturally safe and non-heteronormative care. Modern clinical frameworks such as trauma-informed care and the assessment of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are introduced as essential methods for minimizing patient re-traumatization and supporting long-term resilience. From a professional standpoint, the chapter emphasizes the importance of Evidence-Informed Practice (EIP), national standards of care, and interprofessional collaboration to enhance patient safety and reduce medical errors. The influence of technology is also examined, ranging from high-tech neonatal interventions and telehealth to the ethical responsibilities of nurses using social media and the necessity of improving health literacy across diverse populations. Finally, the text situates Canadian nursing within a global context by discussing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically focusing on improving maternal and child health worldwide, while grappling with the ethical complexities of modern reproductive technologies and end-of-life care.