Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Building a Culture of Safety in Perinatal Nursing: Insights from The Nurse Keith Show with Guest Jeanette Zocco

Jeanette Zocco Perinatal SAfety Specialist


This special episode of The Nurse Keith Show titled "Perinatal Safety Nursing, Evidence-Based Practice, and Fostering a Culture of Safety," features guest Jeanette Zocco, a perinatal quality and safety specialist. Zocco's experience and passion for perinatal nursing shine through as she discusses the critical importance of safety in nursing.


Jeanette Zocco delves into the significance of safety protocols in perinatal nursing. She addresses the necessity of ingraining safety measures into everyday operations and embracing programs such as team steps and crew resource management. The dedication to fostering a safety culture within nursing environments is pivotal in ensuring the well-being of patients and staff alike.

Overcoming Obstacles to Safety Implementation


A major hindrance in establishing safety initiatives is the presence of competing priorities. Zocco highlights the crucial balance required between various programs and the thoughtful consideration of sustainability in safety practices.

Career Development and Transition

Zocco shares her journey, commencing as a labor and delivery nurse, transitioning to nursing education and simulation, and eventually assuming the role of a perinatal safety nurse. Her decision to write a self-published book led to consulting opportunities, reflecting that career paths in nursing can evolve organically with an openness to seek possibilities.

Education Versus Experience

A intriguing segment of the conversation included Zocco and Carlson discussing the potential impact of advanced education on nursing careers. While a doctorate's role is acknowledged, practical constraints make such pursuits challenging. Zocco considers alternative educational pathways, such as a postmaster's certificate, focusing on the topic of human factors in quality and safety.

Understanding Human Factors

Zocco emphasizes the analysis of human interaction with tools and the work environment, focusing on aspects such as equipment design and workplace stress. She points out that the lack of resources in some organizations can impede the focus on quality and safety.

The Corporate Influence

They recognized the negative impacts of the corporatization in healthcare, advocating for a return to prioritizing safety and quality over profit, with the frontlines feeling supported and valued. This cultural shift can lead to better staff satisfaction and retention.

The Role of Simulation

Zocco detailed her influential work in simulation, which paved her way to the role of a perinatal patient safety program developer. Utilizing data analysis and strategic planning fostered significant improvements in obstetric outcomes.

Facing Uncertainty

The discussion ventured into the realm of handling discomfort and the unknown, with Zocco citing her book writing experience and her ability to ultimately establish a successful niche website. The episode concluded with Carlson and Zocco discussing what defines success. Zocco believes it lies in making a difference—a sentiment that resonates personally and professionally.

Indeed, this episode of The Nurse Keith Show illuminates not just the complexities and challenges of nursing, especially in the perinatal field, but also the courage, determination, and heart that are intrinsic to the profession. Sharing these insights offers invaluable guidance and inspiration to anyone interested in nurturing a culture of safety in healthcare.

Connect with Jeanette Zocco

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Keith Carlson, RN, BSN, NC-BC, is a Board Certified Nurse Coach offering holistic career development for nurses and healthcare professionals. All things Nurse Keith can be found at NurseKeith.com.

Keith is the host of The Nurse Keith Show, his solo podcast focused on career advice and inspiration for nurses. From 2012 until its sunset in 2017, Keith co-hosted RNFMRadio, a groundbreaking nursing podcast.

A widely published nurse writer, Keith is the author of Savvy Networking For Nurses: Getting Connected and Staying Connected in the 21st Century and Aspire to be Inspired: Creating a Nursing Career That Matters. He has contributed chapters to a number of books related to the  nursing profession. written for Nurse.com, Nurse.org, Springer Publishing, MultiBriefs News Service, LPNtoBSNOnline, StaffGarden, AusMed, American Sentinel University, BlackDoctor.org, Diabetes Lifestyle, the ANA blog, NursingCE.com, American Nurse Today, Working Nurse Magazine, and other online and print publications.

Mr. Carlson brings a plethora of experience as a nurse thought leader, keynote speaker, online nurse personality, social media influencer, podcaster, holistic career coach, writer, and well-known nurse entrepreneur. 

Living in beautiful Santa Fe, New Mexico, Keith shares a magical life with his partner, Shada McKenzie, a gifted, empathic, and highly skilled traditional astrologer and reader of the tarot.

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