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Course Outline

HLT311 Midwifery Practice 3

Course Coordinator:Anna Robins (arobins@usc.edu.au) School:School of Health - Midwifery

2024Semester 1

UniSC Sunshine Coast

 Blended learning Most of your course is on campus but you may be able to do some components of this course online.

Please go to usc.edu.au for up to date information on the
teaching sessions and campuses where this course is usually offered.

What is this course about?

Description

In this course you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to plan, implement, and evaluate midwifery care. You undertake clinical experience placements across the maternity care continuum (160 hours). You will be supported and supervised by experienced practitioners and critically self-appraise your practice. Your facilitator will evaluate your work at a developing student level against the NMBA Midwife Standards for Practice. In addition, you will work towards meeting the required midwifery practice experiences for the program and continue your Continuity of Care experiences (Connect)

How will this course be delivered?

Activity Hours Beginning Week Frequency
Blended learning
Laboratory 1 – On campus laboratory 20hrs Orientation week Once Only
Placement – Clinical placement 160hrs Week 1 Once Only

Course Topics

  • Transfer of care – communicating for safety
  • Review of obstetric emergencies
  • Recognising and repsonding to the acute deteriorating woman – sepsis, eclampsia
  • IV Infusions – safe medication administration
  • Episiotomy and Perineal Repair
  • Venepuncture and cannulation
  • Preterm birth, care of the preterm neonate
  • Grief and loss – supporting mother and family
  • Breastfeeding challenges
  • Neonatal transition and resuscitation 

What level is this course?

300 Level (Graduate)

Demonstrating coherence and breadth or depth of knowledge and skills. Independent application of knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Meeting professional requirements and AQF descriptors for the degree. May require pre-requisites where discipline specific introductory or developing knowledge or skills is necessary. Normally undertaken in the third or fourth full-time study year of an undergraduate program.

What is the unit value of this course?

12 units

How does this course contribute to my learning?

Course Learning Outcomes On successful completion of this course, you should be able to... Graduate Qualities Mapping Completing these tasks successfully will contribute to you becoming... Professional Standard Mapping * Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
1 Demonstrate a satisfactory level of midwifery practice according to the national practice standards for registered midwives at an advancing student level Ethical
Engaged 
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
2 Know and behave in accordance with Midwife Standards for Practice (NMBA 2018) and International Code of Ethics for Midwives (ICM 2014) and Code of Conduct for Midwives (NMBA 2018) Ethical
Engaged 
3.2
3 Apply a reflective model to self-appraise your midwifery practice Ethical
Engaged 
1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 3.4, 6.1, 7.3
4 Complete the allocated practice hours and demonstrate progress in meeting the required midwifery practice experiences for the program Ethical
Engaged 
3.2, 3.3, 7.3
5 Apply principles and practices of academic writing and referencing Engaged 
1.2

* Competencies by Professional Body

CODE COMPETENCY
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia
1 Standard 1: Promotes health and wellbeing through evidence-based midwifery practice
1.2 The midwife accesses, analyses, and uses the best available evidence, that includes research findings, for safe, quality midwifery practice
1.3 The midwife uses health assessment and health education to support birth and reproductive health, and minimise the potential for complications
1.4 The midwife undertakes ongoing processes of reflection to ensure professional judgements acknowledge how personal culture impacts on practice
2 Standard 2: Engages in professional relationships and respectful partnerships
3 Standard 3: Demonstrates the capability and accountability for midwifery practice
3.2 The midwife practises within relevant legal parameters and professional standards, codes and guidelines
3.3 The midwife participates in own continuing professional development to maintain the required knowledge and skill base for safe and effective practice
3.4 The midwife contributes to a culture that supports learning, teaching, knowledge transfer and critical reflection
4 Standard 4: Undertakes comprehensive assessments
5 Standard 5: Develops a plan for midwifery practice
6 Standard 6: Provides safety and quality in midwifery practice
6.1 The midwife actively contributes to quality improvement and research activities
7 Standard 7: Evaluates outcomes to improve midwifery practice
7.3 The midwife uses evaluation and reflection to inform future practice and professional development

Am I eligible to enrol in this course?

Refer to the UniSC Glossary of terms for definitions of “pre-requisites, co-requisites and anti-requisites”.

Pre-requisites

HLT202 and enrolled in Program SC393

Co-requisites

Not applicable

Anti-requisites

Not applicable

Specific assumed prior knowledge and skills (where applicable)

Not applicable

How am I going to be assessed?

Grading Scale

Limited Grading (PNP)

Pass (PU), Fail (UF). All assessment tasks are required to be passed for successful completion of the course.

Details of early feedback on progress

Early feedback will be provided by the clinical facilitator when completing the Progressive component of the Clinical Assessment Tool. This feedback includes assessment of your competency in all standards. The facilitator will discuss the deliberations with you and you will have the opportunity to provide comment on the tool during both the Progressive and Summative components.

Assessment tasks

Delivery mode Task No. Assessment Product Individual or Group What is the duration / length? When should I submit? Where should I submit it?
All 1a Activity Participation Individual 
15 mins
 Refer to Format Online Submission
All 1b Activity Participation Individual 
Refer to Format
 Refer to Format Online Submission
All 2 Portfolio Individual 
N/A
 Refer to Format SONIA
All 3 Placement performance Individual 
160 hours
 Refer to Format SONIA
All - Assessment Task 1a:Scenario based clinical exam
Goal: 
The goal of this task is to demonstrate requisite knowledgeable, safe midwifery practice, required
for progression to placement.
Product: Activity Participation
Format: 
In the clinical laboratory you will complete a scenario based clinical exam. You will be allocated a scenario from a choice provided on Canvas. Details regarding the assessment will be provided by the course coordinator on the course Canvas site.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Communicate effectively to ensure safe practice
 1 2
2 
Interpret and use evidence and critical thinking skills in
assessment and care planning
 1 2
3 
Apply midwifery knowledge to assessment and care
planning.
 1 2
4 
Demonstrate knowledgeable, safe midwifery practice in a simulated environment.
 1 2
All - Assessment Task 1b:Laboratory Participation
Goal: 
The goal of this task is for you to actively participate in the midwifery laboratories to develop the knowledge and skills required for safe midwifery practice.
Product: Activity Participation
Format: 
You are required to submit evidence of participation in the midwifery laboratories linked to your learning needs, for at least 3 of the 4 days in Intensive block. Details regarding the assessment will be provided by the course coordinator on the course Canvas site.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Application of self-appraisal using Check in-Check out (CICO) process, which evidences active participation in the midwifery laboratory
 2 3
All - Assessment Task 2:ANMAC Midwifery Practice Experience (MPE)
Goal: 
Evidence of progress towards your achievement of the requirements for ANMAC Midwife Accreditation Standard 3: Program of study.
Product: Portfolio
Format: 
Submit: Within 3 days after the completion of clinical placement
MPE Record: Evidence of your MPE is collected progressively throughout the program and
assessed in HLT132, HLT123, HLT207, HLT202, HLT311 and HLT312.
Details regarding MPE evidence will be provided by the course coordinator on the course Canvas site.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Completion of 10 Continuity of Care experiences (CONNECT)
 2 4
2 
Reflection on all completed Continuity of Care experiences
 2 3
3 
Completion of a minimum of 180 MPEs
 2 4
4 
MPEs meet the requirements for ANMAC Midwife Accreditation Standard 3: Program of study.
 1 2
5 
Demonstrate appropriate written expression (academic writing, terminology, referencing, etc)
 5
All - Assessment Task 3:Clinical Assessment Tool
Goal: 
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate completion of allocated placement for this course and satisfactory competency based on the NMBA Midwife Standards for Practice at a beginning midwife level and as measured in the Clinical Assessment Tool
Product: Placement performance
Format: 
Submit: Completion of clinical placement. 

The clinical facilitator will complete the Clinical Assessment Tool including assessment of your competency in all standards and completion of the required hours. The facilitator will discuss the deliberations with you and you will have the opportunity to provide comment on the tool. This will be submitted to the course coordinator for final decision and outcome. Ultimate accountability for assessing students in relation to clinical practice (WIL) resides with the course coordinator and grades are finalised through the UniSC assessment policy and procedures.

Please note: You will receive ongoing feedback as a formative and developmental process. 

A progressive assessment will be completed. In addition, if you are not meeting satisfactory practice standards at any point of the placement, learning processes will be implemented to support you to attain the necessary behaviours to satisfactorily meet each standard. Unsatisfactory behaviours which put client safety at risk or which do not adhere with the Midwife Standards for Practice, Code of Conduct for Midwives and/or Code of Ethics for Midwives criteria and standards may result in your removal from placement. If you do not meet each standard at a satisfactory standard you will fail the item. Please refer to the clinical handbook for details.
Criteria:
No. Learning Outcome assessed
1 
Practice behaviours as measured against the Midwife Standards for Practice and as detailed in the assessment tool
 1
2 
Evidence of adherence to the Code of Conduct for Midwives and the Code of Ethics for Midwives criteria and standards
 2
3 
Specific goals and plan for practice inclusive of all Practice Standards
 1 2 3
4 
Completion of 160 hours of placement
 1 2 4

Directed study hours

A 12-unit course will have total of 150 learning hours which will include directed study hours (including online if required), self-directed learning and completion of assessable tasks. Student workload is calculated at 12.5 learning hours per one unit.

What resources do I need to undertake this course?

Please note: Course information, including specific information of recommended readings, learning activities, resources, weekly readings, etc. are available on the course Canvas site– Please log in as soon as possible.

Prescribed text(s) or course reader

Please note that you need to have regular access to the resource(s) listed below. Resources may be required or recommended.

Required? Author Year Title Edition Publisher
Required Sara Bayes, Sally de-Vitry Smith, Ruth Johnson & Wendy Taylor 2022 SKILLS FOR MIDWIFERY PRACTICE AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND EDITION. 2nd Ed Elsevier
Required Sally Pairman,Sally K. Tracy,Hannah G. Dahlen,Lesley Dixon, PHD, RM 2022 Midwifery Preparation for Practice 5th ed n/a

Specific requirements

Students are advised that if the laboratory session has any formal assessment item(s) associated with it, these must be completed even if you have an acceptable reason for non-attendance of that class. It is the student’s responsibility to seek out the course coordinator, at their earliest convenience, to ascertain how they will meet the learning objectives. Failure to satisfactorily complete the tutorial/laboratory work and any associated assessment items may severely impede your chances of meeting the learning outcomes of this course. You will need to wear UniSC midwifery uniform and closed shoes that comply with the UniSC Health and Safety Policies to any clinical practice laboratory sessions. Your clinical placement may have specific requirements, and information will be provided during your placement orientation. UniSC uniform as outlined on Canvas is to be worn on placement.

How are risks managed in this course?

Risk assessments have been performed for all studio and laboratory classes and a low level of health and safety risk exists. Some risk concerns may include equipment, instruments, and tools; as well as manual handling items within the laboratory. It is your responsibility to review course material, search online, discuss with lecturers and peers and understand the risks associated with your specific course of study and to familiarise yourself with the University’s general health and safety principles by reviewing the online induction training for students, and following the instructions of the University staff.

What administrative information is relevant to this course?

Assessment: Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the ethical standard of university participation.  It ensures that students graduate as a result of proving they are competent in their discipline.  This is integral in maintaining the value of academic qualifications. Each industry has expectations and standards of the skills and knowledge within that discipline and these are reflected in assessment.

Academic integrity means that you do not engage in any activity that is considered to be academic fraud; including plagiarism, collusion or outsourcing any part of any assessment item to any other person.  You are expected to be honest and ethical by completing all work yourself and indicating in your work which ideas and information were developed by you and which were taken from others. You cannot provide your assessment work to others. You are also expected to provide evidence of wide and critical reading, usually by using appropriate academic references.

In order to minimise incidents of academic fraud, this course may require that some of its assessment tasks, when submitted to Canvas, are electronically checked through Turnitin.  This software allows for text comparisons to be made between your submitted assessment item and all other work to which Turnitin has access.

Assessment: Additional Requirements

Limited Graded Course:

This course will be graded as Pass in a Limited Grade Course (PU) or Fail in a Limited Grade Course (UF) as per clause 4.1.3 and 4.1.4 of the Grades and Grade Point Average (GPA) - Institutional Operating Policy of the UniSC.

In a course eligible to use Limited Grades, all assessment items in that course are marked on a Pass/Fail basis and all assessment tasks are required to be passed for a student to successfully complete the course. Supplementary assessment is not available in courses using Limited Grades.

Assessment: Submission penalties

You must contact your Course Coordinator and provide the required documentation if you require an extension or alternate assessment.

SafeUniSC

UniSC is committed to a culture of respect and providing a safe and supportive environment for all members of our community. For immediate assistance on campus contact SafeUniSC by phone: 07 5430 1168 or using the SafeZone app. For general enquires contact the SafeUniSC team by phone 07 5456 3864 or email safe@usc.edu.au.

The SafeUniSC Specialist Service is a Student Wellbeing service that provides free and confidential support to students who may have experienced or observed behaviour that could cause fear, offence or trauma. To contact the service call 07 5430 1226 or email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au.

Study help

For help with course-specific advice, for example what information to include in your assessment, you should first contact your tutor, then your course coordinator, if needed.

If you require additional assistance, the Learning Advisers are trained professionals who are ready to help you develop a wide range of academic skills. Visit the Learning Advisers web page for more information, or contact Student Central for further assistance: +61 7 5430 2890 or studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

Wellbeing Services

Student Wellbeing provide free and confidential counselling on a wide range of personal, academic, social and psychological matters, to foster positive mental health and wellbeing for your academic success.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email studentwellbeing@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 1226.

AccessAbility Services

Ability Advisers ensure equal access to all aspects of university life. If your studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder mental health issue, injury or illness, or you are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged, AccessAbility Services can provide access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice about the support and facilities available to you throughout the University.

To book a confidential appointment go to Student Hub, email AccessAbility@usc.edu.au or call 07 5430 2890.

Links to relevant University policy and procedures

For more information on Academic Learning & Teaching categories including:

  • Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs
  • Review of Assessment and Final Grades
  • Supplementary Assessment
  • Central Examinations
  • Deferred Examinations
  • Student Conduct
  • Students with a Disability

For more information, visit https://www.usc.edu.au/explore/policies-and-procedures#academic-learning-and-teaching

Student Charter

UniSC is committed to excellence in teaching, research and engagement in an environment that is inclusive, inspiring, safe and respectful. The Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students, to achieve these outcomes.

General Enquiries

  • In person:
    • UniSC Sunshine Coast - Student Central, Ground Floor, Building C, 90 Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs
    • UniSC Moreton Bay - Service Centre, Ground Floor, Foundation Building, Gympie Road, Petrie
    • UniSC SouthBank - Student Central, Building A4 (SW1), 52 Merivale Street, South Brisbane
    • UniSC Gympie - Student Central, 71 Cartwright Road, Gympie
    • UniSC Fraser Coast - Student Central, Student Central, Building A, 161 Old Maryborough Rd, Hervey Bay
    • UniSC Caboolture - Student Central, Level 1 Building J, Cnr Manley and Tallon Street, Caboolture
  • Tel:+61 7 5430 2890
  • Email:studentcentral@usc.edu.au
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