Purpose of the project To facilitate the expression of parental emotions, provide a medium for dialogue between the nurse and the parent thereby enhancing their level of comfort in the post-operative period of their child's hospitalization.

Description of the project The setting is in a sixteen bed cardiac care unit in a children's hospital. Staff nurses approach parents pre-operatively or in the immediate post-operative period with a letter offering them an opportunity to complete a quilting square on behalf of their child. Those parents wishing to participate receive a baggy including a 6x6 inch muslin square with fabric pens. Instructions are translated in English and Spanish so all would have an opportunity to participate. Parents are encouraged to artistically express their emotions and feelings about their child's hospitalization in the form of a completed quilting square.

Outcome of the project Parents and nursing staff have been enthusiastic about creating a cardiac quilt. Once the quilt is large enough, it will be placed in the parent lounge so that other parents can view it. By the number of squares that have been completed so far, words such as faith, hope, and caring are mentioned frequently and seem to touch on the family's spirituality. The families use the quilt squares as an outlet to express themselves emotionally.

Conclusion/Implication for nursing practice When parents utilize the quilt as a means for self expression, it gives the nurses an opportunity to assist with any perceived unmet needs that surface during times of high anxiety or stress. This is also consistent with the hospital's philosophy of family centered care.