MW7051 Midwifery Practice 1 - Orientation (0 ECTS)

 

Learning Outcomes

Following completion of this module the student should be able to:

• Elicit verbal consent for all procedures and examinations;
  
• Be aware of the importance of maintaining confidentiality at all times;
  
• Observe and begin to understand measures taken to ensure privacy and confidentiality of women in their care;
  
• Demonstrate an understanding of frequently used terms and abbreviations in midwifery practice;
  
• Describe the main aspects of the assessment of a woman antenatally, intranatally, and postnatally;
  
• Describe main aspects of the assessment of the newborn baby;
  
• Observe and begin to understand the rationale behind evidence based information and evaluation which seeks to optimise health outcomes for the pregnant woman;
  
• Observe and begin to understand the importance of the woman's rights within the health care service;
  
• Be aware of documentation required and be able to write clear and accurate reports
  
• Begin to recognise the unique physical, emotional, social and cultural needs of the woman
  
• In consultation with the women and under direct supervision of the named preceptor, begin to assess and plan care based on the best available evidence;
  
• Respond to women's needs for information and assistance under the direct supervision of the preceptor /supervising midwife;
  
• Begin to identify the meaning of working in partnership and women centred care
  
• Know how to access help in an emergency situation (e.g. fire and haemorrhage) by means of emergency number, bleep and call bell.

Module Learning Aims & Rationale

The aim of this midwifery practice placement is to introduce students to the practice of midwifery and the
delivery of maternity services. Students will begin to acquire the knowledge, skills and approach to
practice to function at a core practice level in a supervised environment. Whilst midwifery students will
already have had a limited exposure to midwifery practice and maternity care during the first weeks on
the programme whilst in the classroom, this first practice placement will continue to familiarise and
orientate the midwifery student to the environment of a maternity hospital and provide insight into the
activities. Midwifery students will work alongside midwives as they provide midwifery care. They will be
afforded the opportunity to observe the midwife as s/he provides care to women and, when ready and
with the encouragement of the midwife, will begin to provide midwifery care under the direct supervision
of the midwife.

Recommended Reading List

Indicative Resources

• Midwifery students will have a 1-week orientation placement in each of the following areas: antenatal, intranatal and postnatal
  
• An Bord Altranais (2000) The Code of Conduct for each Nurse and Midwife, 2nd edn. An Bord Altranais, Dublin.
  
• An Bord Altranais (2000) Scope of Nursing and Midwifery Practice Framework. An Bord Altranais, Dublin.
  
• An Bord Altranais (2007) Guidance to Nurses and Midwives on Medication Management. An Bord Altranais, Dublin.
  
• An Bord Altranais (2010) Practice Standards for Midwives. An Bord Altranais, Dublin.
  
• Fraser D.M. and Cooper M.A. (eds.) (2009) Myles Textbook for Midwives, 15th edn. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.
  
• Henderson C. and MacDonald S. (eds.) (2004) Mayes' Midwifery: A Textbook for Midwives, 13th edn. Bailliere Tindall, London.
  
• Johnson R. and Taylor W. (2010) Skills for Midwifery Practice, 3nd edn. Churchill Livingstone Edinburgh.
  
• Page L. and McCandish R. (eds.) (2006) The New Midwifery: Science and Sensitivity in Practice, 2nd edn. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh.
  
• Way S. (2000) Core Skills for Midwifery Practice. Books for Midwives Press, Manchester.

* Additional readings will be given for each unit of learning.