NS1004 - Foundations of Midwifery Practice

Credit points:	03
Year:	2014
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	School of Nursing, Midwifery & Nutrition (pre 2015)

This subject provides the student with a foundation for the theoretical concepts and principles for midwifery practice. The focus of this subject is to explore the role of the midwife in promoting normal health and wellbeing during the pregnancy and birth continuum. Students are expected to extend their knowledge and understanding of pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period as normal physiological processes and examine the individual woman's response to those processes. Content and foundational clinical skills are provided within a woman-centred, value base framework. In this subject students are required to recruit two (2) pregnant women who are willing to participate in the 'Continuity of Care' experience. In addition, students continue to develop the principles of primary health midwifery care and are required to attend a two week midwifery placement applying foundational midwifery practice skills for women during their antenatal and postnatal periods as well as antenatal education classes.

Learning Outcomes

• 1) Demonstrate an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the human reproductive system; 2) Apply anatomy and physiology knowledge of the human reproductive system to conception, pregnancy and the postnatal period;
• 3) Demonstrate clinical practice skills required to provide midwifery care to women in the antenatal and postnatal period; 4) Recognise the role of antenatal education in promoting normal pregnancy, labour and birth;
• 5) Explain the parameters of an ongoing professional relationship with pregnant women and initiate the 'Continuity of Care' experience with two pregnant women; 6) Identify key public health issues pertinent to midwifery; 7) Formulate the key elements of integrating evidence based midwifery care to woman-centered, during healthy pregnancy;
• 8) Provide antenatal and postnatal care to women that is consistent with the philosophy, ethics and the NMBA (2006) National Competency Standards for the Midwife; 9) Distinguish between the various models of primary midwifery care available in Australia;
• 10) Identify the needs of women living in Northern Australia; 11) On reflection summarise how the midwife supports women in making choices and decisions about their pregnancy; and 12) Provide evidence of the commencement of the Midwifery clinical competency workbook and portfolio.

Prerequisites:

NS1003 AND NS1211 AND HS1111 AND BM1011

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 28-Aug-2014
Coordinator:	Mrs Janene Antney
Contact hours:	20 hours lectures 20 hours tutorials 20 hours practicals 80 hours professional experience
Assessment:	end of semester exam (60%); objective structured clinical examination (osce) (10%); assignments (30%).
Special Assessment Requirements:	Successful completion of clinical placement
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.