Course overview
This course enables students to consolidate and integrate midwifery knowledge and practice as they transition into their professional midwifery role with confidence and competence. It is underpinned by evidence-based, reflective and culturally safe practice, with a strong emphasis on lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Students will critically engage with current and emerging local, national and global contexts of midwifery practice, including innovation, workforce development, and the evolving role of the midwife as a leader and agent of change. The course develops clinical reasoning and transitional practice skills, including perineal suturing and intravenous cannulation, alongside capabilities in leadership, teamwork, negotiation, conflict resolution, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Students will explore key dimensions of safety and quality, primary health care, and the influence of cultural, social, and political determinants on midwifery practice, while preparing for program completion, registration, employment, and roles in teaching and clinical supervision.
Course learning outcomes
- Critically analyse current and future professional contexts, issues and directions in midwifery and the role of midwives as agents of change
- Apply evidence of reflection in relation to continuous professional development and lifelong learning in midwifery practice
- Identify and apply principles of effective leadership and teamwork, negotiation and conflict resolution skills within the context of a multidisciplinary team
- Evaluate the influence of cultural, societal and political issues on future directions of contemporary midwifery care
- Demonstrate transitional midwifery skills in clinical practice
- Critically reflect on cultural awareness and demonstrate a commitment to midwifery care provision that supports cultural safety