Original Research

Newly qualified midwives’ perceptions of their level of midwifery clinical competence during community service in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Amanda B. Ngcobo, Olivia B. Baloyi, Mary Ann Jarvis
Health SA Gesondheid | Vol 26 | a1670 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v26i0.1670 | © 2021 Amanda Ngcobo, Olivia B. Baloyi, Mary Ann Jarvis | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 16 April 2021 | Published: 28 October 2021

About the author(s)

Amanda B. Ngcobo, Discipline of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Olivia B. Baloyi, Discipline of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
Mary Ann Jarvis, Discipline of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

Abstract

Background: There are links between the inadequate numbers of competent midwives and high maternal mortality ratios and neonatal mortality rates which highlights the significance of job-ready, newly qualified midwives who can display clinical competence. The South African Nursing Council regulated mandatory community service, as a supportive year to develop clinical competence.

Aim: To explore and describe newly qualified midwives’ perceived level of midwifery clinical competence during community service.

Setting: Both the event of the pandemic and the distribution of the potential participants across various geographical settings necessitated planning for data collection in real and online settings convenient to them.

Method: Non-probability purposive sampling was utilized to select and invite the post community service, newly qualified midwives (N = 65), of the select university, who underwent community service in 2018 and experienced exposure to maternity care settings in the eThekwini District (n = 23). Data were collected through five focus groups and analysed through Elo and Kyngas’ content analysis.

Results: Three categories emerged: transitioning from the sheltered education environment to the real practice world, support in practice: disparate realities and interception of mentorship. Six subcategories accompanied the categories.

Conclusion: Newly qualified midwives’ clinical confidence and competence transitioning from the safe academic environment to the authentic accountable clinical setting hinges on mentorship and welcoming, non-stigmatising supportive relationships that facilitate the integration of previous learnings into community service practice.

Contribution: The study allows for audibility and awareness of the transitioning midwives’ perceptions highlighting the significance to maternity staff and policy makers, of supportive relationships and structures.


Keywords

community service; competence; midwifery; new qualified midwives; perceptions

Metrics

Total abstract views: 2648
Total article views: 2930

 

Crossref Citations

1. Clinical Competency During Undergraduate Midwifery Training in Malawi: A Concept Analysis
Masumbuko Albert Baluwa, Neggie Mndolo, Naomi Kyeremaa Yeboa, Cynthia Mpeta-Phiri, Clara Haruzivishe, Ellen Chirwa
Advances in Medical Education and Practice  vol: Volume 14  first page: 1067  year: 2023  
doi: 10.2147/AMEP.S426347