Unit rationale, description and aim

This unit extends and integrates learning through simulation laboratories and supervised clinical practice. The focus is on collaborative midwifery care for women experiencing complications and emergencies. Students will continue to participate in and learn from the Continuity of Care Experiences. This unit is required by students to assist them to develop knowledge and skills regarding complexities in the care of childbearing women.

The aim of this third Clinical Midwifery Practice unit is support students in the application of a clinical decision-making framework to assess, plan, provide and evaluate woman-centred, evidence-based midwifery care of women with complex care needs. It builds on earlier learning about the anatomy and the physiological processes of childbearing.

We recognise that people who access maternity care may have diverse gender identities, that those who do can experience marginalisation and oppression, and that using appropriate terminology can help with these community members’ recognition and visibility, acknowledge the variety of pregnancy and birth experiences people may have, and respect individuals’ preferences. To reflect this, terms such as ‘pregnant person’, ‘birthing person’, ‘childbearing people’, ‘parent’ and ‘chestfeeding’ may be used in the midwifery courses at ACU in addition to ‘woman’, ‘mother’, ‘maternity’, ‘maternal’ and ‘breastfeeding’, which are used not to exclude those who do not identify as a woman, but in recognition that women continue to be marginalised and oppressed in many places around the world and to respect their own individual preferences.

2026 10

Campus offering

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  • Term Mode
  • Semester 2Multi-mode
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  • Semester 2Multi-mode
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  • Semester 2Multi-mode

Prerequisites

(MIDW200 Clinical Midwifery Practice 2 OR MIDW213 Midwifery Professional Practice 3 ) AND MIDW216 Midwifery Care of the Birthing Woman

Incompatible

MIDW201 - Clinical Midwifery Practice 3

Learning outcomes

To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.

Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.

Explore the graduate capabilities.

Apply legal and ethical frameworks, policies and p...

Learning Outcome 01

Apply legal and ethical frameworks, policies and procedures to provide competent midwifery care within scope of practice;
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC4, GC7, GC9, GC11, GC12

Use a clinical decision-making framework to assess...

Learning Outcome 02

Use a clinical decision-making framework to assess, plan, provide and evaluate safe, woman-centred, evidence-based midwifery care of women with complex needs, across the childbearing continuum in collaboration with other members of the health care team;
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC4, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC12

Demonstrate safe and effective use of technology i...

Learning Outcome 03

Demonstrate safe and effective use of technology in midwifery and obstetric practice;
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC10, GC12

Apply a woman-centred approach and effective commu...

Learning Outcome 04

Apply a woman-centred approach and effective communication skills in establishing, maintaining and concluding relationships with women during their childbearing journey, particularly for women with complex needs;
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC11, GC12

Reflect on their learning to initiate and evaluate...

Learning Outcome 05

Reflect on their learning to initiate and evaluate effective learning and self-care strategies for themselves and others in relation to complex care and emergency situations;
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC4, GC6, GC9, GC11

Extend their professional portfolio, demonstrating...

Learning Outcome 06

Extend their professional portfolio, demonstrating development towards the NMBA (2018) Midwifery Standards for Practice using examples of skill development and midwifery practice in caring for the woman with complex needs.
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC9, GC11

Content

Topics will include: 

Legal and professional practice 

  • Scope of practice 
  • Documentation and use of health informatics and health technology 
  • Consultation and collaboration 
  • Medication knowledge and administration 
  • Med+Safe medication calculations
  • Assertive communication skills

Midwifery knowledge and practice 

  • Care and assessment of women with complex needs: 
  • Variations related to position, lie and presentation of the fetus in utero 
  • Hypertension 
  • Preterm labour 
  • Gestational diabetes 
  • Haemorrhage 
  • Prolonged labour and obstructed labour 
  • Management of life threatening emergencies 
  • Fetal distress 
  • Shoulder dystocia 
  • Cord prolapse 
  • Uterine inversion 
  • Amniotic fluid embolism and coagulation disorders 
  • Eclampsia 
  • Maternal shock and collapse 
  • Procedures 
  • IV infusions 
  • Syringe drivers 
  • MgSO4 
  • Scalp electrode 
  • Fetal fibronectin 
  • Blood transfusions 
  • Speculum examination 
  • ECG 

 Midwifery as primary health care 

  • Consultation and referral 
  • Therapeutic and professional communication 

 Reflective and ethical practice 

  • Self-care and debriefing strategies 
  • Incorporating evidence-based practice 

Assessment strategy and rationale

A range of assessment procedures consistent with the University assessment requirements will be used to meet the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes. These assessment tasks are designed for students to demonstrate achievement of each learning outcome.

Assessment 1 (Hurdle): Completion of the hurdle task will demonstrate competence in safe medication administration and preparation for clinical placement (Students have unlimited attempts to complete prior to attending placement).

Assessment 2 (Hurdle): An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) will provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate developed skills in the safety of a simulated environment (Students have a maximum of 2 attempts). 

Assessment 3 (Hurdle): Development of a professional midwifery portfolio will allow the students to showcase their clinical learning experiences in a professional manner ensuring that documentation meets the professional legal requirements for practice experiences. (Students must submit within five days of completion of placement to submit documents and will have 2 attempts). ALL assessment components are required to be submitted AND marked as satisfactory to pass the unit. (Detailed information available in Canvas under Assignments and Assessment Information).

In order to pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome, pass hurdle tasks, and attend 100% of laboratory classes and stipulated hours of clinical placement.

As per the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council guidelines, only students who have demonstrated the requisite knowledge and skills required for safe practice are eligible for professional experience placement. In accordance with this, all students are required to satisfactorily complete an Objective Structured Clinical Examination and satisfy the attendance requirements.

Overview of assessments

Assessment Task 1: Medicine Calculations

Assessment Task 1: Medicine Calculations


Weighting

Hurdle

Learning Outcomes LO1
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC4, GC7, GC9, GC11, GC12

Assessment Task 2: Objective Structured Clinical...

Assessment Task 2: Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Enables students to demonstrate competency in professional behaviour, communication skills and safe and effective implementation of midwifery skills and knowledge for the woman experiencing birthing complications and emergencies.

Weighting

Hurdle

Learning Outcomes LO2, LO4
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC4, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC11, GC12

Assessment Task 3: Professional Placement Documen...

Assessment Task 3: Professional Placement Documentation

Enables students to present their clinical experiences in a professional manner, inclusive of all unit 

Weighting

Hurdle

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC3, GC4, GC6, GC7, GC8, GC9, GC10, GC11, GC12

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

This second-year professional practice unit uses student-centred, active learning to build foundational knowledge and skills for midwifery practice. Modes of delivery combines self-paced online learning, real-time classes, supervised clinical practicum (120 hours), and diverse group learning activities, including scenario-based learning, skills demonstrations, simulation, the Continuity of Care Experience, story sharing and other Aboriginal ways of learning.

Mandatory Documentation for Professional Experience Placements.

All FHS students who undertake placements as part of their course must meet all mandatory State or Territory legal and industry policy pre-placement requirements. Students are required to collect and submit each compliance item to InPlace as directed by your individual dashboard and the set due dates as per the professional experience placement team. Further information related to mandatory requirements and submission of documentation can be found on the Work Integrated Learning site via the student portal.

Please note: Students cannot be allocated to professional practice experience placements until all documentation has been received. Failure to submit mandatory documentation within the designated timeframe will result in a Fail grade for the unit as per Academic Regulations section 8.

Additionally, in order to safely enjoy the opportunity of participating in classes in the Specialised Learning Environments (Science and Simulation Laboratories), individuals are required to complete a Mandatory Laboratory Safety Orientation prior to attending the first day of clinical skills laboratory.

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia Midwife Standards for Practice

In connection to the learning outcomes, these Midwife standards for practice provide a framework for midwifery practice in all contexts. They also inform women, and others including consumers, those who regulate, educate, collaborate with and manage midwives on what to expect from a midwife’s practice.

  • Relating to

    Promotes health and wellbeing through evidence-based midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1

  • Relating to

    Identifies what is important to women as the foundation for using evidence to promote informed decision-making, participation in care, and self-determination

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1

  • Relating to

    Accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings, for safe, quality midwifery practice  

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1

  • Relating to

    Uses health assessment and health education to support birth and reproductive health, and minimise the potential for complications

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1

  • Relating to

    Supports the development, implementation and evaluation of evidenced-based health initiatives and programs, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1

  • Relating to

    Engages in professional relationships and respectful partnerships

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO4

  • Relating to

    Partners with women to strengthen women’s capabilities and confidence to care for themselves and their families

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO4

  • Relating to

    Practises ethically, with respect for dignity, privacy, confidentiality, equity and justice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO4

  • Relating to

    Develops, maintains and concludes professional relationships in a way that differentiates the boundaries between professional and personal relationships, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO4

  • Relating to

    Demonstrates the capability and accountability for midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO5, LO6

  • Relating to

    Understands their scope of practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO5, LO6

  • Relating to

    Practises within relevant legal parameters and professional standards, codes and guidelines

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO5, LO6

  • Relating to

    Participates in own continuing professional development to maintain the required knowledge and skill base for safe and effective practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO5, LO6

  • Relating to

    Engages in timely consultation, referral and documentation

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO5, LO6

  • Relating to

    Uses relevant processes to identify, document and manage complexity and risk

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO5, LO6

  • Relating to

    Recognises and responds appropriately where safe and quality practice may be compromised, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO5, LO6

  • Relating to

    Considers and responds in a timely manner to the health and wellbeing of self and others in relation to the capability for practice.

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO5, LO6

  • Relating to

    Undertakes comprehensive assessments

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and wellbeing of women, communities and populations

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Uses assessment techniques to systematically collect relevant and accurate information

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Analyses information and data and communicates assessments and anticipated outcomes as the basis for midwifery practice, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Develops a plan for midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2

  • Relating to

    Collaboratively develops plans until options, priorities, goals, actions, anticipated outcomes and timeframes are agreed with the woman, and/or relevant others

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2

  • Relating to

    Documents, evaluates and modifies plans to facilitate the anticipated outcomes.

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2

  • Relating to

    Provides safety and quality in midwifery practice 

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

    Actively contributes to quality improvement and research activities

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

    Is responsible for consultation and referral and/or escalation in situations that are outside the individual’s scope of practice, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

    Provides and accepts effective and timely direction, allocation, delegation, teaching and supervision

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3, LO5

  • Relating to

    Evaluates outcomes to improve midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO5

  • Relating to

    Evaluates and monitors progress towards planned goals and anticipated outcomes

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO5

  • Relating to

    Uses evaluation and reflection to inform future practice and professional development

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO5

Representative texts and references

Representative texts and references

Australian College of Midwives [ACM]. (2021). National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral (4th ed.). Australian College of Midwives.

Bryant, B., Knights, K., Rowland, A., & Darroch, S. (2018). Pharmacology for Health Professionals (5th ed.). Elsevier. 

MacDonald, S., & Johnson, G. & Mayes. M. (Eds.). (2017). Mayes' Midwifery (15th edition.). Elsevier.

Marshall, J., & Raynor, M. (Eds.). (2020). Myles Textbook for Midwives (17th ed.). Elsevier. 

Pairman, S., Tracey, S., Dahlen, H., & Dixon, L. (2018). Midwifery: Preparation for Practice (4th ed.). Elsevier.

Reuwer, P., Bruinse, H., & Franx, A. (2015). Proactive support of labour: The challenge of normal childbirth (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press. 

Rankin, J. (Ed.). (2017). Physiology in Childbearing with Anatomy and Related Biosciences (4th ed.). Elsevier. 

Taylor, B. (2010). Reflective Practice for Healthcare Professionals: A Practical Guide (3rd ed.). Open University Press.  

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists [RANZCOG]. (2019). Intrapartum Fetal Surveillance (4th ed.). Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists.

Wylie, L. & Bryce, H. (2016) The Midwives' Guide to Key Medical Conditions (2nd ed.). Elsevier.

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