Influence of clinical placement on undergraduate midwifery students' career intentions.
OBJECTIVE
to explore the influence that clinical placements have on career intentions for undergraduate midwifery students.


METHODS
a qualitative approach involving a combination of focus group and individual interviews.


METHODS
the study was part of a larger study undertaken across a range of health disciplines within one university.


METHODS
11 Bachelor of Midwifery students who had either undertaken their first or last clinical placement.


RESULTS
data were managed with QSR NVivo and analysis was influenced by the work of Strauss and Corbin. Two main themes emerged: midwifery as a career choice and future midwifery career. Findings indicated that students entered the course with preconceived ideas of midwifery and where they would practice after graduation. Clinical placements allowed students to experience the reality of midwifery practice, promote identification with the profession, and influenced decision-making about future careers. Finally, it raised limitations placed on diversity of available clinical experience.


CONCLUSIONS
clinical placements are essential for midwifery preparation. They challenge students' preconceived ideas about midwifery practice and assist them to develop perspectives on, and directions for, their future careers. The diversity and quality of placement experience plays a significant role in career decision-making and employment choices.


CONCLUSIONS
positive placement experiences influence where students will choose to work after graduation. These experiences can directly influence the organisations and clinical areas chosen by students for graduate practice.
McCall
Louise
L
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, School of Primary Health Care, Monash University, Clayton Campus, Wellington Road, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
Wray
Natalie
N
McKenna
Lisa
L
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D003657:Decision Making; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education*; D011231:Preceptorship; D011247:Pregnancy; D011365:Professional Practice Location; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013338:Students, Nursing; D014739:Victoria