MID9004 - Becoming a midwife

Leader: Maureen Miles

Offered

Gippsland Second semester 2007 (Flexible)

Synopsis

Consolidation of midwifery practice is required for students to effectively function as registered midwives on completion of their course. This unit provides students with a comprehensive, clinically focused preparation & assessment for transition to practice as competent registered midwives. The opportunity to apply theory is explored throughout the course to extend and develop confidence in their practice. Students must be employed in midwifery practice for a minimum of 4 days per fortnight in addition to their studies. Individual learning objectives enable students to undertake remedial or extension activities as required whilst engaged in consolidation of midwifery practice skills.

Objectives

On completion of this unit the student will be able to:

1. Demonstrate comprehensive evidence-based knowledge for midwifery practice;
2. Critique the suitability of application of levels of evidence to particular aspects of maternity care;
3. Debate the usefulness and suitability of specific evidence based practice and best practice standards in their application in maternity care;
4. Demonstrate ability to research, collate and present evidence for improvement of midwifery care;
5. Demonstrate sound clinical decision making skills based on evidence, experience and collaboration and consultation;
6. Provide individualized, holistic midwifery care that meets psychosocial and physical needs;
7. Demonstrate individualized socio-cultural sensitivity (women-centred midwifery) in midwifery;
8. Demonstrate competence in the provision of discerning, discriminating, safe midwifery care in a variety of contexts and complexity of environment;
9. Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the legal and ethical issues for midwifery practice;
10. Critique self as an agent of change in maternity care;
11. Demonstrate a critique of self as an emerging midwife and as a life-long learner;
12. Function in accordance with the Australian College of Midwives Inc. Competency Standards for Midwives.

Assessment

A written portfolio demonstrating the attainment of objectives that form a learning contract will assess student's readiness for the transition to midwifery practice. This learning contract will be individually negotiated with the Unit Co-ordinator and the responsible officer in the practice setting and will focus on strengths, weaknesses and interests of the student whilst addressing the objectives of the unit. Student will present the completed work in an individualised portfolio. In addition the student will have the opportunity to educate and inform peers in a seminar series at the completion of the unit.
Assessment of midwifery practice skills pass/fail.

Off Campus Attendance Requirements

Attendance at residential schools held oncampus at Gippsland.

Prerequisites

MID9001 Woman midwife partnerships + MID9002 Extending midwifery partnerships + MID9003 Midwifery and maternity in context .