New graduate midwives’ experiences of their transition support programs
- Publication Type:
- Thesis
- Issue Date:
- 2012
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Background: The transition from student to registered midwife is a critical period for a
new graduate. The literature suggests that well-designed ‘transition support programs’
(TSPs) assist graduates to successfully take up their roles as registered clinicians. While
TSPs for midwives exist in NSW, Australia, there appears to be an adhoc approach to their
design, implementation and effectiveness.
Aim: To identify the type of support offered to newly graduated midwives during their
transition year and to increase knowledge and understanding of new midwives’
expectations and experiences of this support.
Method: This descriptive qualitative study was undertaken in three phases. In phase one 14
maternity hospitals within three Sydney Area Health Services (AHS) provided details of
their TSPs. In phase two, 31 newly graduated midwives participated in telephone
interviews (18 at the beginning of their transition year and 29 at the end). An additional 7
participated in focus groups. In phase three interviews with 16 experienced midwives
canvased perceptions of the support their facility offered the new graduates. Latent and
manifest content analysis was used to analyse the data.
Findings: The approach to transition support varied across and within AHSs: some sites
offered no program. Whilst differences existed between the TSPs they shared common
elements such as clinical rotations and study days. At the beginning of their TSP midwives
expected that the opportunities provided to them would consolidate their knowledge and
clinical skills. In addition they expected to be supported by colleagues to gain confidence.
On completion of their transition period, some midwives’ experiences were at odds with the
details of the programs initially outlined by the AHSs. The discrepancy between the
expected and actual program resulted in increased stress and anxiety for midwives,
especially in birth suite. Midwives were critical of the lack of promised supernumerary time
as well as limited access to midwifery continuity of care models. While approximately 60%
believed that they had met their goals and been well supported more than 16% of the
midwives had left their TSP before the end of their first year of clinical practice.
Conclusion: This study has provided a unique insight into the expectations and experiences
of midwives as they start their professional careers. It has also provided much needed
information on the structure and content of programs offered within three AHSs. It is
anticipated that the findings will provide evidence to assist in the development of TSPs that
successfully meet the needs of the graduate, the childbearing women they care for and the
organisations in which they work.
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