Graduate Diploma of Midwifery CQ48

The aim of the program is to prepare competent and innovative midwives to function in a rapidly changing health care system. Students will develop a clear understanding of the social and philosophical context of health care and of contemporary thinking to conceptualise practices and trends in midwifery and to initiate positive change.

Entry

All applicants must be registered nurses, and their eligibility for the program will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Program Structure

Pre-endorsement students (6 courses)

1032 hours of clinical practice is conducted in a variety of approved clinical areas including hospitals and community settings. Clinical practice will be arranged at approved hospitals.

Students must complete:

Code	Course
HLTH20028	Philosophy & Bioethics
MDWF20001	Professional Midwifery Studies
MDWF20002	The Childbearing Family
MDWF20003	Midwifery Practice A
MDWF20004	The Childbearing Family at Risk
MDWF20005	Midwifery Practice B

Post-endorsement students (6 courses)

Students must complete:

Code	Course
NURS20130	Special Topics of Health
HLTH20028	Philosophy & Bioethics
MDWF20001	Professional Midwifery Studies
NURS20135	Directed Study
	2 electives

Program Objectives

On completion of the program students will be able to:

• discuss contemporary issues in health care and women's health which affect the practice of midwifery;
• assess the woman's needs and resources to provide information for individual decision-making in a supportive environment;
• utilise childbirth in healthcare education and counselling practices for women, families and community groups;
• empower women and their families to facilitate decision making and respecting their decision regarding childbirth;
• undertake all aspects of antenatal care for women with normal pregnancies;
• recognise abnormalities as they arise and work with other health professionals, consulting and referring as necessary when the woman's need for care exceeds the competencies of the midwife;
• provide safe care to the woman and her foetus/newborn utilising evidence-based midwifery practice;
• implement continuity of care and support to women during normal labour and conduct deliveries on their responsibility;
• participate and assist in research to continuously evaluate the quality of effectiveness of midwifery care;
• demonstrate responsibility and accountability for their own professional development;
• practise midwifery within the prescribed legal boundaries and their own scope of competence.