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.
