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.
This unit will enable the student to develop skills and confidence in the full scope of midwifery practice. Debate and analyse current trends in the provision of birthing services including issues sensitive to rural and urban differentials including specialist follow up and access to acute and specialized services. Students will be provided with both 'simulated' and 'real' opportunities to develop skills and knowledge that will enable them to provide effective care to birthing women experiencing variations from normal childbearing.
The clinical practice component will provide students with opportunities to incorporate theoretical learning directly into midwifery practice.

Objectives

• Critically examine the socio-political and cultural debate in the provision of birthing services to women and their families in Australia and globally;
• Debate on the accessibility and equity to maternity services for women in the rural setting;
• Demonstrate safe clinical practice based on sound theoretical knowledge and reasoning;
• Discuss and critically analyse variations from normal that may arise during labour and birth and the midwife's role in managing these;
• Undertake comprehensive assessment of birthing women and their babies during the childbearing process;
• Demonstrate understanding and interpretation of women's rights, values and cultural beliefs in creating an appropriate and culturally safe environment for women and their partners to birth;
• Demonstrate their developing knowledge and application of the variety of pharmacological and non pharmacological pain management methods for labouring women;
• Demonstrate skills in advocacy, decision making and referral when working as part of the multidisciplinary team especially in an environment of complexity;
• Implement evidence-based holistic care for women, babies and their families across the childbearing process;
• Employ reflective practice strategies to develop understanding of diverse midwifery practice; and,
• Demonstrate midwifery competency based upon the ANMC National Competency Standards for Midwives.

Assessment

Written assignment, 50% (2500);
Exam: 50%, (3hrs);
Clinical practice assessment: Fail/Pass

Chief examiner(s)

Ms Carolyn Bailey

Contact hours

Students will be on campus for 10 weeks with one week revision and 4 weeks will be spent in clinical practice. Four of those weeks are included in this unit. The weekly on campus workload requirement for the unit will be:
Lectures: 1 x 2 hours x 10 weeks = 20 hours
Tutorials: 1 x 2 hours x 10 weeks = 20 hours
Clinical: 160 hours
Individual Study: 120 hours
Total: 320 hours

Prerequisites

MID 1003, MID 1002

Co-requisites

MID2004

Prohibitions

MID2006