engleski

Experience from a perspective of a student of a university undergraduate midwifery program

Croatian midwifery has a long and rich history. Becoming a member of the European Union meant that Croatia had to agree to comply with Directive 2005/36 EC which regulates midwifery among other professions. Adoption of EU Directive resulted in major changes in midwifery education in Croatia. One of the pivotal changes was an introduction of university level education for midwives. University programmes, which are in accordance with Directive, award its graduates a degree of bachelor of midwifery and accompanying competencies. Competencies which midwives with a bachelor’s degree in midwifery have include diagnosing and monitoring physiological pregnancy, conducting delivery and providing postnatal care, but in reality Croatian midwives still don’t practice with professional autonomy. Growing number of midwives with higher education is a path to autonomous midwifery. Organisation of midwifery programmes is therefore crucial in learning skills that will allow for practice in full spectrum of their competencies. Curriculum that includes minimum 1800 hours of clinical practice is foundation for building future midwives’ knowledge and confidence. With focus on evidence based practice student midwives are supported by their mentors while they acquire practical as well as decision making skills in all areas of midwifery practice. Equally important as education is a process of socialisation into a profession which shapes student’s attitudes toward professional autonomy. Including academic teachers with midwifery background influences the way students shape their professional identity. Newly qualified midwives that finished undergraduate midwifery programme are educated and trained to meet the demands of healthcare system and take responsibility in providing midwifery care.

midwifery students, autonomy, competencies

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