NS1003 - Introduction to Midwifery Practice

Credit points:	03
Year:	2016
Student Contribution Band:	Band 1
Administered by:	College of Healthcare Sciences

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 midwifery care;
• explore the antecedents of contemporary midwifery;
• discuss the midwife's role in promoting culturally safe, women-centred care;
• explore the therapeutic communication skills to establish effective partnerships with women and their families within a professional framework;
• demonstrate a basic knowledge of the midwife's scope of practice, and professional regulations and formulate a personal philosophy and professional identity of midwifery informed by the midwifery student's legal and professional obligations;
• begin to develop a professional portfolio.

Corequisites:

HS1111 AND BM1011 AND NS1211

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 1
Census Date 24-Mar-2016
Coord/Lect:	Mrs Janene Antney.
Contact hours:	10 hours lectures 20 hours tutorials
Assessment:	assignments.
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.