Double degree destinations: Nursing or midwifery

Abstract

Background: Double degrees in nursing and midwifery have evolved in Australia as a proposed solution to possible impending shortages of qualified midwives in the healthcare workforce. The double degree is seen as a more acceptable option in non-metropolitan areas in particular. Concern has been expressed however, about dilution of midwifery philosophy and graduates' opportunities in respect of future clinical practice. Aim: This study aimed to provide a better understanding of motivations and intentions of students who undertake the Bachelor of Nursing Science/Bachelor of Midwifery double degree. Methods: A cross-sectional survey design was employed at four universities that offered double degrees in nursing and midwifery in three states of Australia. Students enrolled in first and fourth year of a double degree and graduates of a double degree were invited to complete an online survey comprised of Likert scales and items requiring free text responses. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. Findings: Participants indicated a clear preference for midwifery as a career with this preference increasing for each cohort at each stage of study. Discussion: Primary reasons for selecting a double degree were perceived increased opportunity for employment and use of nursing skills to enhance midwifery practice in a population with growing co-morbidities. A strong identification with midwifery philosophy and identity was also demonstrated. Conclusion: An understanding of motivations and career intentions of students undertaking double degree studies can inform future program development and workforce planning.

Examining the transformation of midwifery education in Australia to inform future directions: An integrative review

“…Much has been done in Australian law and professional bodies to recognise midwifery as a profession in its own right. [47] However, there remains concern that midwives are underrepresented on key government committees, advisory groups, and expert panels, with a need for more equitable representation on decision-making committees. [8] A lack of midwifery-specific education and workforce data also remained challenging.…”

“…[49] This gave rise to support for double degrees, where students can complete the registration requirements for nursing and midwifery in a four-year degree, advocating that clinicians with both qualifications would be more suited to regional and rural areas. [47] Further arguments to support this combination of degrees included limited access to university in some regional areas of the country, a rise in co-morbidities in birthing women, and increased employability with dual registration. [47] However, there is limited research exploring or supporting this argument.…”

The Significant Of Having Double Degree Major In Talent Development

“…The most common ground for pursuing a double major is the career path and career growth. In fact, double major has successfully prepared students for work (Yates et al, 2020). In a study conducted by Zhu and Zhang, (2021) showed that 68 percent of students who chose a double major were being competitive in industry.…”

Nursing and Midwifery Education: Historical Perspectives

“…The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) recognizes a midwife as: a person who has successfully completed a midwifery education programme that is based on the ICM Essential Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice and the framework of the ICM Global Standards for Midwifery Education and is recognized in the country where it is located; who has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practice midwifery and use the title 'midwife'; and who demonstrates competency in the practice of midwifery. (ICM 2017) Unlike nurses, midwives work predominantly in a framework underpinned by wellness, rather than illness (Nordby 2016(Nordby , 2017Yates et al 2020), and midwives have also existed throughout recorded history. They work with women throughout childbearing including: pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and the postnatal period.…”

“…Their scope of practice also extends across the lifespan of women incorporating sexual and reproductive health. Hence, they work under a framework of woman-centered care (McKenna 2009;Yates et al 2020). However, models of midwifery care vary around the world as education and practice have evolved locally.…”