Unit rationale, description and aim

This final practicum unit is a capstone unit where the student integrates previous learning in preparation for transition to graduate level midwifery practice. Students will complete practice experience requirements such as the Midwifery Practice Experience including the NMBA Competency Standards for the Midwife, the Continuity of Care Experiences. Students will be required to apply their theoretical knowledge during their clinical experience, demonstrating comprehensive and thorough care for the women, babies and families for whom they are caring. This unit is required by students to assist them, through an intensive period of supervised practice, to integrate and consolidate the midwifery knowledge, attitudes and skills required for professional practice.

The aim of this final Clinical Midwifery Practice unit is to build on students' previous and current learning including anatomy and physiological processes of childbearing to further contextualise their theoretical knowledge through clinical practice.

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 20

Campus offering

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

Prerequisites

MIDW300 Clinical Midwifery Practice 4: Caring for Babies OR MIDW315 Midwifery Professional Practice 5

Incompatible

MIDW301 Clinical Midwifery Practice 5

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, organisational...

Learning Outcome 01

Apply legal and ethical frameworks, organisational policies, procedures and standards to safe, care of women and their babies and families across the childbearing continuum
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC4, GC6, GC9, GC11, GC12

Establish, maintain and conclude relationships tha...

Learning Outcome 02

Establish, maintain and conclude relationships that promote dignity, respect, cultural safety; and effective provision of woman-centred care
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC4, GC5, GC6, GC11

Demonstrate initiative and collaborative clinical ...

Learning Outcome 03

Demonstrate initiative and collaborative clinical reasoning skills and decision making in evidence-based assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care in complex midwifery practice situations
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC4, GC8, GC11, GC12

Demonstrate achievement of professional midwifery ...

Learning Outcome 04

Demonstrate achievement of professional midwifery standards at the graduate level and practice experience requirements
Relevant Graduate Capabilities: GC1, GC2, GC3, GC8, GC11, GC12

Content

Topics will include: 

Legal and professional practice 

  • Scope of practice 
  • NMBA Competency Standards 
  • Documentation and use of health informatics and health technologies 
  • Medication knowledge and administration 
  • Med+Safe medication calculations
  • Assertive communication skills

Midwifery knowledge and practice 

  • Review of midwifery skills for complex and emergency situations 
  • Clinical reasoning and decision making 
  • Prioritising and time management skills 

Midwifery as primary health care  

  • Consultation and collaboration 
  • Establishing and maintaining professional relationships with other health care providers 

Reflective and ethical practice 

  • Self-evaluation 
  • Self-care 
  • Professional learning 
  • 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 LO2
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC5, GC8, 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.

Weighting

Hurdle

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO3, LO4
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC4, GC5, GC6, GC8, GC9, GC11, GC12

Assessment Task 3: Professional Placement Docum...

Assessment Task 3: Professional Placement Documentation

Enables students to present their clinical experiences in a professional manner, inclusive of all unit requirements, ensuring that documentation meets the professional and legal requirements for practice.

Weighting

Hurdle

Learning Outcomes LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4
Graduate Capabilities GC1, GC2, GC3, GC4, GC5, GC6, GC8, GC9, GC11, GC12

Learning and teaching strategy and rationale

This third-year professional practice unit uses student-centred, active learning to build foundational knowledge and skills for midwifery practice. Modes of delivery combine self-paced online learning, real-time classes, supervised clinical practicum (320 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. 

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, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • 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, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Undertakes ongoing processes of reflection to ensure professional judgements acknowledge how personal culture impacts on practice 

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Engages in professional relationships and respectful partnerships

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Supports the choices of the woman, with respect for families and communities in relation to maternity care

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Practises without the discrimination that may be associated with race, age, disability, sexuality, gender identity, relationship status, power relations and/or social disadvantage  

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Practises cultural safety that is holistic, free of bias and exposes racism

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Practises in a way that respects that family and community underpin the health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3

  • 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, LO3

  • Relating to

    Demonstrates the capability and accountability for midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Understands their scope of practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • 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, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Contributes to a culture that supports learning, teaching, knowledge transfer and critical reflection

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

    Engages in timely consultation, referral and documentation

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO1, LO2, LO3, LO4

  • 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

    Assesses the resources that are available to inform planning.

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO2, LO3

  • Relating to

    Develops a plan for midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3

  • Relating to

    Interprets assessment data and best available evidence to develop a plan for practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3

  • 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 OutcomeLO3

  • Relating to

    Co-ordinates resources effectively and efficiently for planned actions, and

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3

  • Relating to

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

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3

  • Relating to

    Provides safety and quality in midwifery practice 

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3

  • Relating to

    Practises to achieve the agreed goals and anticipated outcomes that meet the needs of the woman

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3

  • 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 OutcomeLO3

  • Relating to

    Evaluates outcomes to improve midwifery practice

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3

  • Relating to

    Evaluates and monitors progress towards planned goals and anticipated outcomes

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3

  • Relating to

    Revises plan and actions based on evidence and what is learned from evaluation

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3

  • Relating to

    Uses evaluation and reflection to inform future practice and professional development

    Relevant Learning OutcomeLO3

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.

Macdonald, S. & Johnson, G. (Eds). (2017). Mayes’ Midwifery: A Textbook for Midwives (15th ed.). Elsevier.

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia [NMBA] (2018). Midwife Standards for Practice. Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia [NMBA]. (2013). Code of Ethics for Midwives. International Confederation of Midwives

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.

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

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

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