Nyutdannede jordmödres vurdering av utdanning, klinisk kompetanse og arbeidsforhold
Sammanfattning
In Norway, post-graduate nursing programmes are being transformed into master programmes.
This occurs without previous evaluation of the study programmes. The level of competence and the
requirements of newly qualified are being discussed, and a mentoring programme has been
suggested to ensure follow-up and development of clinical competence. In central parts of the
country, newly qualified midwives have difficulties getting a permanent full time position, which
affects their possibilities to develop clinical competence. An evaluation study of the midwifery
program at Vestfold University College has been performed to assess its relevance for professional
work, as well as mapping the respondents’ working conditions and their self-assessment of clinical
competence. The method used was a survey. The respondents rate the program as good. They lack
competence to manage complicated conditions related to the perinatal period, and are inadequate
when it comes to issues related to women’s sexual heath. These midwives work part-time, and it may
take years to get a permanent position. They rate the follow-up as newly qualified as satisfying, yet
they do not feel sufficiently confident during clinical practice. Comprehensive national midwifery
competence will require more full time positions and better follow-up of newly qualified. To lay the
basis for the content in master programmes, there is a need for a national evaluation of the midwifery
programmes and a review of the professional competence of newly qualified.