Why do midwives stay?

While there is a reasonable amount of evidence and literature describing why nurses remain in nursing, there is little known as to why midwives stay, particularly in Australia. This study will study the reasons why midwives stay in midwifery in New South Wales and address the significant gaps in midwifery knowledge into this important area. The study is also a component of a larger study being planned in collaboration with the Centre for Health Services Management which will examine the retention of nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.

The particular aims of the Why Do Midwives Stay study are to:

• explore the reasons for midwives selecting a particular workplace, clinical setting or model of care;
• understand the reasons why midwives choose to stay in (1) midwifery and (2) in their current workplace;
• explore the issues that contribute to a high level of job satisfaction;
• explore the support system and coping mechanisms that are important to midwives and keep them in (1) midwifery and (2) in their workplace; and,
• better understand the factors that could be improved in the workplace to increase job satisfaction and improve retention.

Understanding these gaps in midwifery knowledge will allow key stake holders to implement models of care which not only benefit woman but also benefit midwives. A descriptive study is planned which will survey midwives across NSW as to these aspects of retention. More information will be available later in the year about midwives can be involved in the study.

Katie Sullivan is undertaking this research in collaboration with staff from the Centre for Midwifery, Child and Family Health as part of a Masters of Midwifery (Hons) degree. Katie can be contacted for more information on: Katie.Sullivan@student.uts.edu.au.