Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 401223

Coordinator Fiona Arundell Opens in new window

Description In this subject students will further develop midwifery skills for the management of complications and emergency situations. In simulated practice environments students will gain the skills necessary to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary colleagues. Students will gain practical experience in designated clinical areas and will follow women through pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period in a continuity of care experience.

School Nursing & Midwifery

Discipline Midwifery

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Pre-requisite(s) NURS 2026

Co-requisite(s) NURS 3005 and NURS 3006 for program 4684

Equivalent Subjects NURS 3028 Midwifery Practice Experience 5

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 4684 Bachelor of Midwifery.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Communicate effectively with women and colleagues, including during emergencies.
2. Provide evidence based, care for women and neonates with complex health needs, under minimal guidance
3. Implement and evaluate midwifery care throughout the continuum of care for a woman, in relation to risk factors, non-life threatening and life threatening complications and needs.
4. Implement and evaluate midwifery care for the fetus and newborn, in relation to risk factors, non-life threatening and life threatening complications and needs.
5. Apply principles of safe administration used in complex maternal and neonatal care with a focus on parenteral medication.
6. Fulfil professional midwifery practice requirements in accordance with legislation, regulations, policies, guidelines and midwifery standards for practice.

Subject Content

Professional practice requirements
• Documentation in accordance with professional and legislative requirements.
• Policy and procedure guidelines for managing emerging and escalating emergency situations
• Informed consent
• Privacy issues
• Confidentiality
• Infection Control
• Medication calculations
• Preparing mother and or baby after maternal, fetal or neonatal death

Competency development
• Amniotomy
• Application of Fetal Scalp Electrode
• Assisting with the collection of Scalp PH and interpretation of findings
• Prolonged second stage management and assisting with an instrumental birth
• management of a snapped cord
• Review and practice IV medication administration

Communication skills
• Communication skills for working with families in complex situations
o attentive listening
o exploration of areas of concern
o goal setting
• Communication skills for working in collaboration
o Effective communication and debriefing with colleagues, women and their families.
o Midwives role/ Students role
o Consultation and referral
o Emergency situations
o Enacting the National Midwifery Guidelines for Consultation and Referral

Simulated Practice Skills:
1. Application of Fetal Scalp Electrode
2. Management of postpartum haemorrhage
3. Management of obstetric shock
4. Management of shoulder dystocia
5. Management of cord prolapse
6. Management of a woman having a seizure
7. Management of a breech birth
8. Maternal resuscitation
9. CPR pregnant or postpartum woman
10. Neonatal resuscitation

Special Requirements

Legislative pre-requisites

To be eligible to enrol in a unit and attend a health-related placement in your course, students must meet Western Sydney University course requirements AND Special Legislative Requirements to be assessed in their first year of study against the following
1. National Criminal History Check: Students must have a current (expiring 3 years from date of issue) check valid for their entire course. A valid National Criminal history check must be an Australia wide check, include the student's full name matching their Student ID card and date of birth and not have any offences listed. If a student has a criminal history identified on their check, they must provide a Clinical Placement Authority Card (CPAC) or conditional letter from the NSW HealthShare Employment Screening and Review Unit
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/careers/student_clearance/Documents/appendix-10-student-application.pdf

2. A NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) clearance letter issued under the category of volunteer valid for their entire course.
3. A current approved first aid certificate valid for their entire course, approved provider courses can be found at
http://training.gov.au
4. A completed vaccination/immunisation card with all serology results containing expiry dates and currency must be maintained by the student to ensure compliance for their entire course
5. NSW Undertaking/Declaration form
6. Completed any additional health forms required (such as NSW Health Code of Conduct, Health Student Undertaking/Declaration and Tuberculosis (TB) Assessment Tool)
7. Relevant Local Health District specific documentation as requested.
Contact your School for further details. Resources are also available on the Placement Hub website
https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/learning_futures/home/placements_hub/placements_hub/student_compliance.

Essential equipment

Calculator, Western Sydney University Midwifery Uniform for Clinical Placement and final skill assessment, and a watch with a second hand. Access to an internet enabled device is essential in order to be able to: access course materials; to participate in discussion groups; and to access additional resources provided by the lecturer during the session. 
See http://www.westernsydney.edu.au/currentstudents/current_students/services_and_facilities/uwsonline_student_support for further information.