The good midwife: commencing students’ views

Objectiveto explore commencing students’ views of the good midwife. This study was set against a background of high course attrition and concerns that discordant students’ views of midwifery practice may have been associated with course attrition.Designqualitative thematic analysis.SettingMelbourne, Australia.Participantsall commencing midwifery students, in 2008, were invited to participate (n=41).Measurements and findingsstudents spoke of a series of key attributes they felt were important to the role of the midwife. Most fell into the affective domain and four themes were identified: personal qualities and attitudes; a belief in women and natural birth; compatible work ethic; and the possession of additional attributes.Key conclusions and implications for practicecommencing students showed a clear understanding of the affective attributes required of a good midwife but a lesser understanding of requirements of knowledge and competence. A small number of students felt that they were already equipped to advise pregnant women, despite their early stage in the course. This is an issue that needs to be addressed.