Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

Midwifery is a highly-skilled profession, hence time and scope to advance practical skills and knowledge is paramount for developing safe and responsive midwives. This practice unit will allow for further development of midwifery skills and identity, whilst incorporating new knowledge and skill. Students will explore complications that can arise during, but are unrelated to, childbearing processes. Emphasis in the unit will be placed on developing physical health assessment skills for identifying and managing a range of medical and surgical conditions that may arise. In addition, pharmacological concepts will be applied in the management of such conditions.

Objectives

On completion of this subject, the student will be expected to:

1. Develop a sense of becoming a midwife with emerging confidence and competence;
2. Articulate attitudes, beliefs and values towards women and childbearing within a diverse cultural context;
3. Perform accurate physical health assessment skills with both pregnant and non-pregnant women;
4. Describe a range of medical and surgical conditions that may complicate childbearing;
5. Discuss the midwifery management for medical and surgical conditions that may arise during childbearing;
6. Describe implications of pharmacological agents used in the management of medical conditions during childbirth;
7. Implement appropriate care for women experiencing variations from normal childbearing;
8. Critically reflect on self and practice as a midwife;
9. Explain the nursing implications of caring for patients receiving drug therapy;
10. Explore and evaluate the educational needs of clients in relation to their pharmacology and health status;
11. Demonstrate safe clinical practice in relation to drug administration based on sound pharmaceutical knowledge;
12. Explain the principles of drug treatment in common disease and non disease states or conditions, resuscitation and poisoning;
13. Administer medications and document accurately under supervision of registered staff and/or clinical teacher to demonstrate safe clinical practice in the midwifery practice setting;
14. Implement evidence-informed care when working with women;
15. Demonstrate competency according to the ANMC National Competency Standards for the Midwife;
16. Document the ongoing relationship with the women they are following through in a way that reflects their own involvement and actions and the rationale for these, as well as the women's actions and attitudes and responses to midwifery care.

Assessment

Case study (2,500 - 3,000 words): 50%
Clinical practice assessments (Hurdle requirement): pass/fail
Mastery Calculation Test: (Hurdle Requirement): Pass/Fail
Examination (2 hours): 50%

Chief examiner(s)

Ms Gayle McLelland

Contact hours

12 hours per week for 12 weeks

Prerequisites

MID2006 and one of MID2004 or MID2005