Transition experiences of Middle Eastern midwives into Australian practice: A multiple case narrative study

Abstract

Aim To explore transition experiences of Middle Eastern qualified midwives into practice in Australia. Design This was a qualitative study using multiple case narrative approach underpinned by structuration theory. Methods A total of 19 Middle Eastern qualified midwives from different states of Australia participated in this study. Individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted between November 2020 and September 2021, digitally recorded and then transcribed. Transcriptions were analysed in three stages, with three main categories generated in the second stage and a core category that was developed in third. Results Entering the Australian workforce, Middle Eastern qualified midwives had to reframe their professional identities to fit the new system by adjusting to three aspects of the practice, including preparation for practice, scope of practice and context of practice. While they were prepared by medically oriented curricula, worked in systems that had limitations for midwives to practise in antenatal and postnatal and lacked regulation standards, they learned to practise autonomously in their full scope in a standardized context in Australia. Conclusion Middle Eastern qualified midwives in Australia re‐evaluated their practice in their home countries, realized the gaps and adjusted to new ways of practising in Australia. Impact To effectively use the potential of Middle Eastern midwives for workforce sustainability in Australia, support should be available to enable them to develop the necessary competencies for safe practice in Australia including provision of context‐specific transition programmes prior to registration and supporting mentorship after their integration into the Australian healthcare workforce. Patient or public contribution Patient or public contribution does not apply to this study as its purpose was to explore the transition experiences of Middle Eastern qualified midwives themselves.

Understudied phenomena and emerging methodologies in nursing and midwifery: What's new on the horizon?

“…While the crucial role of nurses in healthcare is well‐acknowledged, there are several underexplored areas of nursing practice that are examined in this special issue. For example, the experiences of disabled nurses (Baker et al, 2023), nurse‐led models of care (Bassah et al, 2023), and the impact of varying interferences on nurses' working memory (Hu et al, 2023). In a scoping review, Baker et al (2023) identified the varying workplace experiences of nurses and midwives with disabilities.…”

“…For example, the experiences of disabled nurses (Baker et al, 2023), nurse‐led models of care (Bassah et al, 2023), and the impact of varying interferences on nurses' working memory (Hu et al, 2023). In a scoping review, Baker et al (2023) identified the varying workplace experiences of nurses and midwives with disabilities. They illuminated that nurses and midwives can be greatly affected by disability and highlighted the importance of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across the profession (Baker et al, 2023).…”

“…In a scoping review, Baker et al (2023) identified the varying workplace experiences of nurses and midwives with disabilities. They illuminated that nurses and midwives can be greatly affected by disability and highlighted the importance of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across the profession (Baker et al, 2023). A scoping review by Bassah et al (2023) mapped evidence in low‐ and middle‐income countries in relation to the use of nurse‐led palliative care models for adults with life‐limiting illnesses.…”