The lived experience of newly qualified midwives

After completing a three year midwifery degree course at university newly qualified midwives are expected to function fully as autonomous and accountable practitioners. This interpretive phenomenological investigation explored the lived experiences of twelve participants throughout their first twelve months post registration. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews at three points in time: the point of registration, four and twelve months post registration. Analysis and interpretation of these data were achieved using van Manen's methodological structure combined with an interpretive phenomenological approach. The findings revealed two final interpretive themes that described the meaning of 'becoming a midwife'. These were 'Fairy tale midwifery: fact or fiction' and 'Submissive empowerment: between a rock and a hard place'. The first incorporated the two super-ordinate themes false promises and reality shock; the second incorporated four super-ordinate themes beyond competence, part of the club, self doubt and struggling. This study has contributed to existing knowledge by way of highlighting the 'crisis of reality shock' that these newly qualified midwives experience surrounding the change of responsibility upon qualification. When participants experience the 'real' world as a newly qualified midwife, they may have to undertake work that previously they did not want to do and could opt out of as a student. The newly qualified midwives did not perceive themselves to have autonomy and by virtue, responsibility. Lack of autonomy and the ability to undertake decisions can lead to high levels of anxiety in the newly qualified midwife. Despite this, they prefer to work on the delivery suite where they have instant access to support and advice compared to being on their own in what they perceive to be a chaotic community setting. It may be that transition is an emotional challenge and like birth, the reality is that preparation might help, but that the 'reality' can only be experienced.