NS1003 - Introduction to Midwifery Practice

Credit points:	03
Year:	2010
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Nursing, Midwifery & Nutrition

In this subject students will explore the role and scope of the midwife in the context of Australia's health system. This includes study of the history and context of contemporary midwifery, focussing on its cultural, social, legal, political and economic influences and boundaries. Students are introduced to the principles and practices associated with working in partnership with women; midwifery's defining ethical and professional values; the art and science of midwifery practice; and the diversity of midwives' relationships to the other members of the health care team, family members and the community. The key concepts in midwifery including primary health care, cultural safety, partnership, informed choice, advocacy, woman-centred care and the fundamental role of the midwife in keeping birth normal, form the framework for this subject. Students also explore maternal and child health in relation to the WHO's 2015 Millenium Health Goals and Targets.

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate an understanding of primary health care philosophy, principles, and strategies as they relate to maternity care settings;
• demonstrate a basic knowledge of the midwife's scope of practice, and professional regulations;
• explore the antecedents of contemporary midwifery;
• discuss the midwife's role in promoting culturally safe, women centred care across the lifespan; employ therapeutic communication skills to establish effective partnerships with women and their families within a professional framework;
• begin to formulate a personal philosophy of midwifery informed by the midwifery student's legal and professional obligations.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments, and to reason and deploy evidence clearly and logically;
• The ability to find and access information using appropriate media and technologies;
• The ability to reflect on and evaluate learning, and to learn independently in a self directed manner;
• The ability to read complex and demanding texts accurately, critically and insightfully;
• The ability to speak and write clearly, coherently and creatively;
• The ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences;
• The ability to work with people of different gender, age, ethnicity, culture, religion and political persuasion;
• The ability to work individually and independently;
• The ability to select and use appropriate tools and technologies.

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 25-Mar-2010
Coordinator:	Ms Karyn Bentley
Contact hours:	13 hours lectures 26 hours tutorials
Assessment:	end of semester exam (60%); essays (40%).
Restrictions:	An enrolment quota applies to this offering.

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.