Critically analyze and apply the role of the registered midwife within professional, ethical and legal requirements across a range of settings. RELATING IT TO THE INCIDENT.
Apply local and national frameworks, legislation and regulations confidently and flexibly to a variety of contexts. RELATING IT TO INCIDENT.
Identify personal responsibility and professional behaviours in line with The NMC Code and apply this appropriately in a variety of midwifery settings. RELATING IT TO THE INCIDENT.
You will show an understanding of the various professional responsibilities a midwife has alongside an understanding of the ethical and legal requirements that a midwife must meet (LO1). Consider relevant reviews into maternity services and use those reviews to support your work. Consider frameworks and legislation that guide good practice (LO2). Show an in depth understanding of The NMC Code and how it supports safe practice (LO3)
You can present your blog in Microsoft Word, Powerpoint or Sway. It is a reflective piece so should be written in the first person (e.g., using Rolfe et al (2001) as a framework). You can use images, video’s, poems or like, to illustrate your transition from student to midwife however do remember to remain within the word count 1500 (or equivalent).
A 28 week old pregnant lady came to the triage feeling unwell. She complained of feeling dizzy, nauseous, and soaking wet during the night. Had one episode of 38-degree temperature a day before but felt better after taking paracetamol.
The midwife I was working with felt this was normal due to the hot sunny weather, and she said nauseous during pregnancy is normal and because all her vital signs observations were normal and was ready to send her back home without carrying out any further investigations or doctor’s reviews. However, I suggested to the midwife to asked for doctor’s review before sending the woman back home, which she reluctantly agreed to and was advised by the doctor to take some blood test from the woman for further investigation and follow up.
However, the midwife didn’t write down the woman’s details in the hospital follow up book. I informed the senior midwife what had happened earlier and asked her I would like to check the woman’s blood result which she agreed to.
The senior midwife asked the midwife why she did not write the woman’s details inside the follow up book and she explained to the midwife that she forgot due to busy activities in triage at the time. After checking the blood test results, the blood test showed some abnormalities, and the senior midwife called the patient to come in urgently.
Full Answer Section
Registered midwives must adhere to a high standard of professional, ethical, and legal requirements in all settings. These requirements are outlined in a variety of frameworks, legislation, and regulations, which vary depending on the country or jurisdiction in which the midwife is practicing.
Local and National Frameworks
Examples of local and national frameworks that guide the practice of registered midwives include:
- The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) Code of Conduct for Nurses and Midwives (UK)
- The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Standards of Midwifery Practice (USA)
- The International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Essential Competencies for Midwives
Legislation and Regulations
Examples of legislation and regulations that govern the practice of registered midwives include:
- The Midwives Act 2002 (UK)
- The Nurse Practice Act (USA)
- The Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act 1995 (Australia)
Applying Professional, Ethical and Legal Requirements to the Incident
The following scenario illustrates how registered midwives can apply professional, ethical, and legal requirements to their practice:
Scenario: A registered midwife is working in a hospital setting. She is caring for a woman who is in labor with her first child. The woman is experiencing a lot of pain and is starting to become anxious. The midwife provides the woman with support and reassurance, and she offers her a variety of pain relief options. The woman chooses to have an epidural.
The midwife works with the woman to develop a birth plan that respects her wishes. The woman wants to have a natural birth, but she is also open to medical intervention if necessary.
The labor progresses smoothly, and the woman gives birth to a healthy baby boy. The midwife provides the woman and her baby with postpartum care, and she educates the woman on how to care for her baby at home.
Throughout the scenario, the registered midwife adheres to the following professional, ethical, and legal requirements:
- Professional: The midwife provides the woman with safe and competent care. She also respects the woman's autonomy and makes her a partner in her care.
- Ethical: The midwife treats the woman with dignity and respect. She also promotes the woman's well-being and the well-being of her baby.
- Legal: The midwife practices within the scope of her competence and adheres to all relevant legislation and regulations.
Conclusion
Registered midwives play an essential role in the provision of safe and compassionate care to women and their babies. They must adhere to a high standard of professional, ethical, and legal requirements in all settings. By applying these requirements to their practice, midwives can help to ensure that women and their babies have the best possible experience of pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood.
Additional Considerations
In addition to the professional, ethical, and legal requirements outlined above, registered midwives must also be aware of and comply with the specific policies and procedures of the setting in which they are practicing. For example, a midwife working in a hospital setting may be required to follow different protocols than a midwife working in a community setting.
It is also important to note that the role of the registered midwife may vary depending on the country or jurisdiction in which they are practicing. For example, in some countries, midwives are able to provide a wider range of services, such as prenatal and postpartum care, than they are in other countries.
Registered midwives must stay up-to-date on the latest evidence and best practices in midwifery care. They can do this by attending continuing education courses and reading peer-reviewed journals. Midwives should also be involved in professional organizations that can provide them with support and resources.