Abstract
Objective
To explore and describe the experiences of working in the dual role as nurse and midwife
in rural areas of far north Queensland, Australia.
Method
The methodology was informed by Heidegger's interpretive phenomenological philosophy
and data analysis was guided by van Manen's analytical approach. Data was generated
by conversational interviews. Eight midwives working in a dual role as midwife and
nurse were interviewed individually.
Findings
Three themes were identified: Making choices between professional role and lifestyle:
“Because I choose to live here”; Integration of maternity and general nursing: “All
in together this fine weather” and: “That's part of working in a small place”.
Conclusion
Participants recognized that in rural areas it is important to be a multi-skilled
generalist; however they were concerned that midwifery skills could be eroded or even
lost with the diminishing amounts of midwifery work available. Appropriate re-structuring
of maternity services could provide better use of the midwifery workforce in rural
centres, and reduce the current problems associated with transferring birthing mothers
to larger facilities. Further research is needed to examine the extent to which the
requirement to work in a dual, or multifaceted role is an impediment to the recruitment
and retention of midwives to rural areas.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: April 19, 2012
Accepted:
March 19,
2012
Received in revised form:
January 31,
2012
Received:
December 5,
2011
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
