MID9004 - Becoming a midwife

Leader(s): Maureen Miles

Offered

Gippsland Second semester 2009 (Flexible)

Synopsis

Consolidation of midwifery practice is required for students to be able to effectively function as registered midwives on completion of their course. This unit provides students with a comprehensive and clinically focused preparation and assessment for transition to practice as competent registered midwives. Students will have the opportunity to apply the theory explored throughout the course to extend and develop confidence in their practice. It is required that students will be employed in midwifery practice for a minimum of 4 days per fortnight in addition to their studies. Individual learning objectives will enable students to undertake a critique of institutional practices, policies, procedures and protocols whilst engaged in remediation, consolidation or extension 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. Students will present their completed work in an individualised portfolio comprising of Research Project 60%
Presentation to peers in a conference format 20% and Written Assignment (155 words) 20%.
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 .