Supervision of midwives in neonatal environments – ‘The mists of uncertainty’

Direct entry midwives are a reality within the practice arena however employment opportunities for these students on registration are being limited. Historically, neonatal units have experienced staff shortages and have welcomed entrants from a variety of backgrounds including midwives, child nurses and adult nursing pathways. However student midwives pursuing a neonatal career are not always considered acceptable initial candidates despite the fact that their student experience equips them with skills developed whilst on placement in the neonatal environment. These skills act as the foundations for continuing development for a neonatal career since midwives employed within the neonatal environment, like child nurses and adult nurses, all undertake additional training during their ‘novice’ stage of employment. The situation becomes complicated by inequalities in the expectation of midwives within neonatal care to update in order to maintain midwifery registration despite guidance from the NMC. This paper explores the issues locally, reveals the ‘mists’ within LSA practice and raises questions for discussion within the wider neonatal and midwifery community.