Division of Health Sciences
I
am in my final year of the Bachelor of Midwifery program; it has been
both rewarding and challenging on many levels to become a mature age
student with a family. Time management has become a vital aspect to my
success in both areas.
I knew as soon as I had my first child what it was that I wanted to do
with my life. Midwifery is such a caring profession, and I love that I
am in a position to form relationships with women and families at such
an important time in their lives.
UniSA offered the course I wanted to study, the way I needed to approach
it – family commitments necessitate part time, external study, and UniSA
was the only university in South Australia that was flexible enough to
facilitate this.
I really enjoy the opportunities the program provides to meet and
provide care for women and families during one of the most significant
phases of their lives. I have been well supported in learning and
developing a high level of care that encompasses physical, emotional,
psychological, social and spiritual aspects of life, tailoring this to
meet individual needs.
All of the teaching staff are approachable, committed, and highly
knowledgeable. With such a small number of students in our program, the
teachers are able to get to know each student, and provide individual
support and encouragement.
Clinical placement is very stimulating. We are required to attend a
variety of venues, providing exposure to different approaches to
midwifery care. I also chose a rural venue (Port Lincoln Hospital),
which offered not only a wonderful exposure to all aspects of midwifery,
but also gave some insight to the different needs experienced by those
living in rural/remote areas. I was able to develop a high level of
confident practice under the supervision of the multi-skilled
practitioners, which was fabulous.
Clinical practice provided me with practical, hands on learning. This
helps consolidate the knowledge gained in lectures and private study in
a meaningful way. I find I retain knowledge better when I am able to
“read” and then “do”.
As I study mostly externally, I require access to the online
environment, at a time that suits me. UniSA has provided sites that are
comprehensive, easy to follow, and guide my learning. In addition, I
also have access to the lecturers when needed, and discussion groups
where I can chat with other external students. External students also
spend some time in the nursing labs, which are well stocked to give
valuable practical experience prior to going on placement.
When I graduate I hope to win a graduate midwife position in a clinic
that provides one to one midwifery care to women. I have had some
exposure to community midwifery, and relish the individualised care this
is able to achieve.
I love having the ability to get to know the women, and have them get to
know me – the relationship that forms is then able to more specifically
meet women’s needs, ensuring their experience of pregnancy, birth and
early parenting is as fulfilling and successful as possible. To be a
leader is this field I believe you need commitment to excellence and
always striving to improve are vital to inspiring the best in others.
