Midwives’ experiences as preceptors and the development of good preceptorships in obstetric units

Abstract

Objective: To study midwives' experience in their role as a preceptor and their perception on how to best support midwifery students in obstetrics units. Obstetric units are an important learning area for student midwives but knowledge on how to become a good midwife preceptor is limited.Design: This qualitative study explores midwife preceptors' experience of supervising midwifery students in three obstetric units in Sweden. Following ethical approval seventeen midwife preceptors were interviewed and data were analysed thematically.Findings: Thematic analysis of the interviews resulted in the identification of two themes and five subthemes: 1) self-efficacy in the preceptor role which involves a) being confident in the professional position and b) having the support of management and colleagues and 2) supporting the student to attain self-confidence and independence which entails a) helping the student to grow, b) facilitating reflection in learning situations, and c) "taking a step back". Key conclusion:Good preceptorship occurs when midwives achieve full self-efficacy, when they master the preceptor role, and when they have enhanced their abilities to help, the student reach confidence and independence.

Feelings and thoughts of midwifery students during their first birth suite placement: A qualitative study

“…However, midwives see student supervision as an additional workload (McKellar & Graham, 2017). In other words, due to heavy workloads, midwives may have limited time and attention to facilitate students' education (Zwedberg et al, 2020). In a qualitative study, Mbakaya et al (2020) conducted focus group interviews with 30 nursing and midwifery students to assess their perceptions and experiences in the clinical learning environment.…”

Evaluation of Preceptorship Implementation Process and Application of the Philosophy of Midwifery in the Cycle III (Midwifery Care for Physiological Delivery) at the Midwifery Independent Clinic (PMB) at the Clerkship of the Midwifery Professional Education

“…According to Moran and Banks [17], receptors very rarely receive feedback about the effectiveness of their performance as preceptors, which can affect their development and self-confidence, and competence. Besides, there are several things that the acceptor can do to improve the quality of students in clinical practice, such as reflection after the learning process, giving confidence to students to take action independently, giving praise for successful actions students do, and not reprimanding students in front of clients [18]. Based on table 2 above, it can be seen that from 122 questionnaires, 62 (50.8%) describe the process of applying the philosophy of midwifery well.…”