One of the fundamental principles of midwifery is the relationship that is developed and nurtured between a midwife and the woman she is caring for (Guilliland & Pairman, 2010; Kirkman, 2010; Pairman, 2006 cited in Leap & Pairman, 2010). This relationship is one of partnership. By ‘being with’ and supporting each woman’s independence in autonomy throughout her pregnancy and birth the potential is created for the woman to be empowered and enriched so that she feels confident and self-assured in her abilities as a woman and as a mother (Guilliland & Pairman, 1995; McCourt & Stevens, 2005; Siddiqui 1991; Katz Rothman, 1991 cited in Leap & Pairman, 2010). To do this midwives are required to view the relationship as one based on mutual learning …show more content…
Midwives must be aware of the law which guides their practice in order to fulfil their legal obligations to women and their families, the midwifery profession and society (Newnham & Humphrey, 2010) and to abide by the NMBA’s (2006) Competency 1 which states that midwives will practice in accordance with legislation and common law. Some of these laws are outlined in the Health and Disability Commissioner Act of 1994. Some of the laws within this act, relating to the topics discussed in this essay, include Right 6 which defines the right for healthcare consumers to be fully informed of options available including risks, side effects, benefits and costs of each option; and Right 7 which describes healthcare consumers right to make informed decisions and give informed consent (Health and Disability Commissioner Act, 1994 cited in Newnham & Humphrey, 2010). Supervision of the midwifery profession by regulatory bodies such as these provides a legal safety net for practicing midwives while also protecting the public and promoting best practice (Carr, 2008 cited in Thompson, 2013). At times midwives may feel that they are legally responsible for adverse outcomes of maternity care or treatment however if the midwife has given the woman all the information and education required …show more content…
Evidence-based practice is defined by Professor David Sackett (Sackett & Cooke, 1996 cited in Tracy, 2010) as using current best evidence to inform the way in which you practice and provide care to each individual patient while also taking into account personal clinical experience. Griffith (2012) also states that evidence-based practice is guided by sound evidence, research and the law. Page and McLandish (2006) and Sackett and Cook (1996 cited in Tracy, 2010) do, however, highlight the importance of evidence-based practice informing ones practice and not replacing it as a woman’s individual preferences should always be considered when making clinical
Pairman,S., Tracy, S., Thorogood, C., & Pincombe, J. (2013). Theoretical frameworks for midwifery practice. Midwifery: Preparation for practice.(2nd ed, pp. 313-336). Chatswood, N.S.W. : Elsevier Australia
"I had traveled much on the Kennebec, by water, by ice, and, during those treacherous seasons when the river was neither one nor the other, by faith" (e.g., A Midwife's Tale). Martha's diary is one of the few documents written by a woman that exist today and that describes the behavior, occupation, roles, and daily activities of a common society in the 18th century during and after the Revolution. Although she dedicates her whole life to help others and her family, the diary exposes a very different world with the very different community. Many other history documents lacked the problems of women and the lack of written documents by the female gender. Through this document, Martha gives the importance of women in the community and how they
Regarding the rules and regulations set by the Code of Alabama 1975, a nurse midwife many only practice under the supervision of a qualified physician, if any abnormalities are discovered the nurse midwife must noti...
. Fact sheet: Scope of practice for registered nurses and midwives. http://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Statements/FAQ/Scope-of-practice-for-registered-nurses-and-midwives.aspx# (accessed 22 January 2014).
...Council, M., & Federation, A. N. (2008). Codes of Professional Conduct & Ethics for Nurses & Midwives, 2008: Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council.
NMC, 2010. The code: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives. [online] Available at: [Accessed 13 November 2013]
NMC, 2008. The code: Standards of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives. [online] Available at: [Accessed 13 November 2013].
All nurses and midwives must meet the Registration standards set out by the Nursing Midwifery Board of Australia. These standards included in the nurses’ portfolio should cover; Continuing Professional Development, ensuring the nurse is continuing to maintain, improve and their knowledge, by attending education related to their nursing subject area (Sinclair, 2013). Criminal History, as stated is to guarantee the nurse will not affect their area of nursing and will be able to work, collaboratively with all individuals promoting and providing health care as defined as a nurse. English Language Skills is a registration standard is five years taught and assessed in English. Nurses must not practise in their profession unless they have appropriate Professional Indemnity Insurance Arrangements. Under the Regency of Practice standard Nurses must undertake sufficient practise to demonstrate competence in their profession. Endorsement scheduled medicines to be eligible for endorsement for scheduled medicines; a nurse must complete an accepted curriculum determined by the
The code of ethics are ethical obligations and duties for every person whom may decide to become a nurse. To practice competently and with integrity, nurses of today must have key elements in place which will guide the profession. Key elements would include licensure, certification, and education and a relevant code of ethics (ANA, 2015). This paper will discuss the Code of Ethics Provisions five through nine.
Nursing and midwifery council (2008) The Code: standard of conduct, performance and ethics for nurses and midwives. London: Nursing and Midwifery council
The Codes of Practice is issues to all registered nurses, midwives and health visitors. The Council i...
Chances are that terms such as “midwife” and “home birth” conjure up for you old-fashioned images of childbirth. These words may bring to mind scenes from old movies, but you’re not likely to associate them with the modern image of childbirth. Do you know anyone who has had a midwife-assisted birth or a home birth? Would you consider one?
NSNA (2003). Code of ethics for nursing students Part I: Code of professional conduct. Retrieved June26, 2011, from: http//www.nsnsa.orgpdf/pubs_CodeofProfessionalConduct.pdf
Nursing Council of New Zealand. (2009). Code of conduct for nurses. Retrieved March 15, 2011, from http://www.nursingcouncil.org.nz/download/48/code-of-conduct-nov09.pdf
I have used the recommended reading list in the course handbook to write this essay, yet it has taken me several pages and numerous edits to produce this final script. In order to avoid confusion in style, I consulted mainly two books but paid particular attention to Gimenez J (2007) Writing for nursing and midwifery students Palgrave.