BETHLEHEM UNIVERSITY FACULTY OF NURSING & HEALTH SCIENCES Midwifery Major Handbook 2014
MIDWIFERY AS A PROFESSION Midwifery is the art and science which provides holistic care to child bearing women, babies and their families from preconception until the end of child bearing period and even throughout the life stage of women s life. The role of midwife is based on communication skills, education, diagnosis and intervention. She assesses the need of mother and child, plans her interventions accordingly to ensure the provision of quality care whether at the stage of well-being, high risk, or emergencies. She collaborates with the pregnant woman and other health care providers to ensure the optimum level of health for the woman and her baby. The definition of midwife adopted by the international confederation of midwives and international Federation of gynecologist and obstetricians, in 1972 and 1973 respectively, following amendments of the definition formulated by W.H.O. is A midwife is a person who having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational program, duly recognized in the country in which it is located, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and or legally licensed to practice midwifery. She must be able to give the necessary supervision, care and advice to women during pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period, to conduct deliveries on her own responsibility and to care for the newborn and the infant. This care includes preventative measures, the detection of abnormal conditions in mother and child, the procurement of medical assistance and the execution of emergency measures in the absence of medical aid. She has an important task in health counseling and education, not only for the women, but also within the family and the community. The work should involve antenatal education and preparation for parenthood and extend to certain areas of gynecology, family planning and child care. She may practice in hospitals, clinics, health units, domiciliary conditions or in any other service. Within this context the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences plan to structure this program to enable the midwife to fulfill this wide and varied scope of practice and to graduate students who can achieve the competency level which facilitates them to be skillful and autonomous professionals. INTRODUCTION Dear students We as a midwifery program team happy to welcome you at Bethlehem University to be student in the Bachelor Degree of Midwifery program which is one of the Faculty of Nursing & Health Sciences programs. Dear students this hand book will give you an idea about the academic paradigm of your study, program mission, philosophy, objectives and the academic policies related to your specialty. Finally we wish you all the success. 23 1
BACKGROUND OF MIDWIFERY Bethlehem University started the first Midwifery program in 1991 as a post graduate diploma level. This came as a response to the needs identified in the socioeconomic survey conducted in 1987/88. The program was offered on a full time basis till 1997. From that time onward, the program has been offered as a two years program on a part time basis with a fraction of the cost of the full time program. The main purpose of the program is to provide a professional education for nurses who as future midwives will promote maternal and child health for the Palestinian people. Bachelor degree midwifery program is designed to meet the community need through preparing independent, qualified professional midwives as pregnancy and child birth are seen as major life events in the broader context of family and community aims to meet the women s need and their families. It will open further opportunities for the pupils after finishing their Tawjihi. MISSION STATEMENT OF THE PROGRAM This program is designed to prepare independent qualified professional midwives to meet the needs and demands of the Palestinian community as pregnancy and child birth are seen as a major life event in the broader context of family and community. PHILOSOPHY OF THE PROGRAM We believe that every woman has the right to a high level of health care for herself and her baby. This would seem to be best done by an independent, professional midwife who is broadly prepared with essential midwifery knowledge. We further believe that delivery of health care should reflect the dignity of the person and respect for each individual. The midwife is the person who comes into contact with women and children and by her knowledge she can contribute to raising the quality of care as well as the dignity of women. Thus midwifery education, through its content and processes, will be individually and collectively liberating in terms of gender, class, race, sexuality and creed. The role of the midwife is unique and essential. It both differs and complements other health care professionals involved in the care of mothers and babies. The education of the midwife is designed to help her in fulfilling a wide and varied role: health counselor, educator for parents, family and community, care giver during all stages of the women s reproductive life (preconception, pregnancy, birth and postnatal). In general she has an essential role in promoting and maintaining health for women in all stages of her life starting from childhood, puberty, reproductive, menopause and elderly age as the midwifery scope of practice is so wide. This program is providing new and up to date information and professional development which is critical for the professional midwife today. 2 22
PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM The primary purpose of the baccalaureate degree in midwifery is to educate professional midwives who meet the standard of midwife registration education and who will be able to promote the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies, as well as support sound and stable families. OBJECTIVES This program aims to meet the following objectives: To prepare midwives who can practice safely, competently and effectively. To educate students who are flexible and adaptable in their approach to work with women and their families during child birth experience. To prepare qualified professional midwives to serve the Palestinian Community. To raise the standards and the scope of Maternal and Child Health Care by preparing independent qualified midwives. To develop skillful, knowledgeable and effective midwives who communicate openly and who engender trust from a wide range of people. ADMISSION CRITERIA The applicants for this program should meet the following criteria: a. Tawjihi 65% and above. b. Proficiency in English. c. Passing an interview and the entrance exam. Student Majoring in Midwifery needs to earn a total of 131 credits distributed as follows: Category Credits Major (63+Practicum 18) 81 Faculty Requirement 20 University Requirement 30 Total Credits 131 3
Core Courses: ENGL 120 121 ENGL 213 RELS 300 HIST 120 ART 101 ARAB 120 121 POLS 300 ECON 300 PSED 101 Faculty. Requirements: BIOL 253 BIOL 254 SOCI 231 CAIS 252 MATH 352 PSYC 131 PSYC 231 Midwifery Major MDWF 111 MDWF 112 MDWF 121 MDWF 123 MDWF 211 MDWF 212 MDWF 213 MDWF 214 MDWF 221 MDWF 222 MDWF 223 MDWF 311 MDWF 312 MDWF 313 MDWF 314 MDWF 321 MDWF 322 MDWF 323 MDWF 389 MDWF 411 MIDWIFERY PROGRAM ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS I,II COMMUNICATION SKILLS CULTURAL RELIGIOUS STUDIES HISTORY ART ARABIC I,II POLITICAL SCIENCE ECONOMICS PHYSICAL EDUCATION NUTRITION MICROBIOLOGY SOCIOLOGY OF THE FAMILY INTRODUCTION TO DATA PROCESSING STATISTICS INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT BASIC ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY INTRODUCTION TO MIDWIFERY BASIC NURSING PHARMACOLOGY ADULT HEALTH ADVANCE ADULT HEALTH PATHO-PHYSIOLOGY HEALTH PROMOTION APPLIED ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY PEDIATRICS NEONATOLOGY WOMEN S HEALTH-ANTENATAL COMMUNITY HEALTH GENETICS PRECEPTORSHIP WOMAN S HEALTH-LABOR OBSTETRIC EMERGENCY ETHICS & PROFESSIONAL ISSUES MIDWIFERY SEMINAR WOMAN S HEALTH-POST NATAL 4 MDWF 412 MDWF 413 MDWF 414 MDWF 421 Practicum Major MDWF 011 MDWF 012 MDWF 013 MDWF 014 MDWF 015 MDWF 016 MDWF 017 MDWF 018 MDWF 019 MDWF 020 MDWF 021 MDWF 022 MDWF 023 MDWF 024 5 GYNECOLOGY MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH MIDWIFERY MANAGEMENT PRACTICUM: BASIC NURSING PRACTICUM: ADULT HEALTH PRACTICUM: ADVANCE ADULT HEALTH PRACTICUM: PEDIATRIC PRACTICUM: NEONATOLOGY PRACTICUM: ANTENATAL PRACTICUM: COMMUNITY HEALTH PRACTICUM: LABOR PRACTICUM: POSTNATAL PRACTICUM: GYNECOLOGY ADVANCE PRACTICUM: LABOR&DELIVERY ADVANCE PRACTICUM: ANTENATAL ADVANCE PRACTICUM: POSTNATAL PRACTICUM: MANAGEMENT
MIDWIFERY PROGRAM (REGULAR) Freshman: Juniors: ARAB 120 3 ENGL 120 3 MDWF 111 3 MDWF 112 3 PSYC 131 3 PSED 101 1 Total 16 ARAB 121 3 ENGL 121 3 MDWF 121 4 MDWF 123 3 CAIS 252 2 MDWF 213 2 Total 17 MDWF 321 4 MDWF 018 2 MDWF 223 2 MDWF 015 1 MDWF 323 2 ENGL 213 3 HIST 120 3 Total 17 MATH 352 3 MDWF 212 2 MDWF 013 1 ECON 300 3 MDWF 322 2 MDWF 312 4 MDWF 017 1 Total 16 Summer Semester MDWF 011 (2 Credits) PRACTICUM: BASIC NURSING Seniors: Sophomores: BIOL 253 3 MDWF 211 4 MDWF 221 3 MDWF 012 1 MDWF 214 2 PSYC 231 3 Total 16 MDWF311 4 MDWF 016 1 BIOL 254 3 MDWF 222 3 MDWF 014 1 MDWF 313 1 SOCI 231 3 Total 16 MDWF 411 3 MDWF 412 2 MDWF 019 1 MDWF 020 1 MDWF 413 3 MDWF 414 2 POLS 300 3 MDWF 314 2 Total 17 MDWF 021 3 MDWF 022 1 MDWF 023 1 MDWF 421 2 MDWF 024 1 MDWF 389 1 RELS 300 3 ART 101 2 Total 14 Total Hour of Practicum Total Internship Period Grand Total Credits Hours PRACTICUM (1365) 600 HOUR 131 CREDIT HOUR 6 7
MIDWIFERY PROGRAM (INTENSIVE) Freshman: Juniors: ENGL 100 4 MDWF 111 3 MDWF 112 3 Total 10 Summer Semester MDWF 011 2 ARAB 120 3 Total 5 PSYC 131 3 ENGL 120 3 MDWF 121 4 MDWF 123 3 CAIS 252 2 MDWF 213 2 Total 17 MDWF 321 4 MDWF 018 2 MDWF 223 2 MDWF 015 1 MDWF 323 2 ENGL 213 3 HIST 120 3 Total 17 Seniors: MATH 352 3 MDWF 212 2 MDWF 013 1 ECON 300 3 MDWF 322 2 MDWF 312 4 MDWF 017 1 Total 16 Sophomores: BIOL 253 3 MDWF 211 4 MDWF 221 3 MDWF 012 1 MDWF 214 2 PSYC 231 3 Total 16 MDWF 311 4 BIOL 254 3 MDWF 222 3 MDWF 016 1 MDWF 313 1 MDWF 014 1 SOCI 231 3 Total 16 MDWF 411 3 MDWF 412 2 MDWF 019 1 MDWF 020 1 MDWF 413 3 MDWF 414 2 POLS 300 3 MDWF 314 2 Total 17 MDWF 021 3 MDWF 022 1 MDWF 023 1 MDWF 421 2 MDWF 024 1 MDWF 389 1 RELS 300 3 ART 101 2 Total 14 Summer Semester ENGL 121 3 ARAB 121 3 Total 6 Total Hours of Practicum Total Internship Period Grand Total Credits Hours PRACTICUM (1365) 600 HOUR 134 CREDIT HOUR 8 9
DESCRIPTION OF COURSES MDWF 111 Basic Anatomy and Physiology ( 3) This course is designed to provide the midwifery students with knowledge about human anatomy and physiology. It will introduce students to the human body systems which include skeletal, muscular, neurosensory, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, and hepatobiliary. The emphasis is on detailed anatomy and functional physiology. Prerequisite for MDWF 221 MDWF 112 Introduction to Midwifery ( 3) This course aims to provide the students with a cultural and historical context for Midwifery practice, provide them with various health, nursing and midwifery concepts. Identify the need of women and child within Palestinian society and explore the scope of Midwifery practice, in addition to introduce the students to Midwifery terminology. Prerequisite for MDWF121 MDWF 121 Basic Nursing ( 4) This course aims to provide concepts basic to the practice of clinical nursing, emphasis on the basic principles and techniques that the midwife needs in her practice, emphasizes on the acquisition of knowledge and skills required in the delivery of quality nursing care for clients in hospitals, their homes and in the community. In addition emphasis will be placed on the nursing process as a frame of reference in meeting the human needs and the delivery of health care in variety of settings. Prerequisite for MDWF 211 10 MDWF 123 Pharmacology ( 3) This course is designed to give the students general information about medicine including generic and trade names for the common drugs in use, emphasis is on the issues surrounding the prescription, administration, action, interaction, doses, uses, side effect and contraindication of medication use within the context of normal child birth. MDWF 211 Adult Nursing ( 4) This course is a comprehensive one that is mainly designed to provide the students with the body of knowledge of various medical and surgical healthrelated diseases. Special consideration and emphasis will be placed upon the introduction of medical and surgical health and illness concepts by the utilization of the nursing process module. It also focuses on the care, counseling and education of adults challenged by acute and chronic alterations in their physical health. It provides nursing practice opportunities in health promotion, restoration and support of adults in acute care. Further emphasis will be placed on the psychological, pato-physiological and socio-spiritual needs and problems of patients. Prerequisite for MDWF 212 MDWF 212 Advanced Adult Nursing ( 2) This course is designed to introduce the student with critical care nursing concepts by the utilization of the nursing process. It focuses on proper and timely nursing assessment in order to implement effective nursing interventions for critically ill patients and to prevent additional injury. It also provides nursing practice opportunities in health promotion, restoration and support for patients in critical care units. Further emphasis will be placed on the psychological, pathophysiological and socio-spiritual needs and problems of critically ill patients and their families. 11
MDWF 213 Patho-physiology ( 2) This course aims to build on student's knowledge of physiology so that the development of pathophysiological symptoms is recognized promptly and to incorporate the development of decision- making and diagnostic skills as well as the utilization of support and preventive measures. MDWF 214 Health Promotion ( 2) This course emphasizes the model and approaches used in health education and promotion philosophies, through reinforcing the positive behaviors where modification is necessary. MDWF 221 Applied Anatomy & Physiology ( 3) This course emphasizes on the male and female reproductive systems. The related system structures are also examined in detail, with more emphasis on the female. Embryology will be explored in this course, with a focus on fetal development and the factors that contribute to fetal malformation and inherited factors. It also facilitates the midwifery students to explore the issues surrounding sexuality and sexual health, teaching that sexual development and sexual health are influenced not just by physiological changes but also by psychological factors, cultural and gender issues. MDWF 222 Pediatrics ( 3) The course helps the students to develop an awareness of the importance of current child and infant health care. It will stress the health problems of the infant and child and the care necessary in restoring health to the child and family. Content will mainly focus on the development and health issues of the infants and children as well as their physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs. MDWF 311 Women's Health - Antenatal ( 4) This course will emphasize the role of the midwife towards the woman before and during her pregnancy, and the care that should be provided for the mothers from the initial contact with the client through the onset of labor. Emphasis will be on normal and high risk pregnancy, and on maternal and fetal risk factors that negatively affect the pregnancy out come. Students will be able to differentiate between normal and abnormal pregnancy. Antenatal preparation will be a major concern in this course. Prerequisite for MDWF 321, 411, 312 MDWF 312 Community Health ( 4) This course emphasizes sexuality and reproductive health, and offers students a broad overview of issues affecting women s reproductive health throughout the life span. An issue that impinges upon or is a direct result of pregnancy is examined. Midwifery practice issues will also be a major focus, as will knowledge about the primary health care model, and different concepts entailed in primary health care as an approach to deal with health and disease. It will emphasize the woman s health epidemiology and other concepts of Public Health will be of major concern for the students to know. MDWF 313 Genetics ( 1) This course is designed to give a basic understanding of genetics including cell division, modes of inheritance and the chromosomal influences on reproduction. It also facilitates students to be aware of methods used in diagnosing fetal genetic abnormalities in addition to appreciating the significance of genetic engineering for midwifery practice. 12 13
MDWF 314 Preceptor-ship ( 2) This course is designed to facilitate the student midwife to have an effective role in the clinical area, and to participate in the orientation program for newly employed midwives or students. With the advanced technology seen in health institutions, particularly in hospitals, as well as the level of intensity required in the client and community care, a structured orientation program is very essential for new staff members to help them adjust to the new system. MDWF 321 Women's Health-Labor ( 4) This course will emphasize the role of the midwife in the intrapartum period, the ability to deal with normal labor as well as manage the abnormal labor process and deal with critical cases. Emphasis will be on managing normal labor independently in different settings either in the community clinics, home and hospital. MDWF 322 Obstetric Emergencies ( 2) This course aims to introduce the midwifery students to the complexity of midwifery practice and to provide them with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide life support and midwifery support, and to access appropriate help in variety of emergency situation. MDWF 223 Neonatology ( 2) This course is structured to provide the student midwife with the necessary knowledge about the assessment, immediate and continuous care of the newborn; it will also provide the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify the newborn at risk recognize abnormalities and birth traumas in the newborn. It will emphasize on the factors that place the fetus-newborn at risk. MDWF 323 Midwifery Ethics & Professional Issues ( 2) Prepare midwifery students to practice in a manner that upholds ethical principles and concepts of informed choices advocacy and consent matters that are fundamental to midwifery practice. MDWF 411 Women's Health-Postnatal ( 3) This course is designed to provide students with information concerning this period. Emphasis will be on the ability of a midwife to give the necessary supervision, care and advice for the woman during the postnatal period. Physiological and psychological changes and adaptation will be discussed, issues of self care and baby care will be identified, and emphasis will be on the complication that affects the woman during this period and the management for each abnormality. The role of the midwife in following up the women at their homes will be a major concern. MDWF 412 Gynecology ( 2) This course aims to provide the students with knowledge on how to provide care, support and to give information to women regarding their overall reproductive health including understanding the normal life cycle of women, causes of, evaluation of and treatment for problems associated with the female reproductive system, breast information, provision of various methods of contraception, issues involved in decision-making regarding unwanted pregnancy and recourse for counseling and referral, issues involving infertility and interpretation of lab results in addition to other gynecological problems. 14 15
MDWF 413 Mental Health ( 3) This course aims to introduce the midwifery students to the major concepts and theories in mental health and their relevance to midwifery practice. A major emphasis will be placed on develop mental psychology, major mental disorders, and provide explanation of some individual behaviors, in addition to introducing methods of psychological adjustment of women to different conditions. MDWF 414 Midwifery Research ( 2) This course is designed to introduce the students to the essential concepts upon which midwifery is based, research processes, theories, methodological analysis, and the ability to critique information available internationally and nationally. MDWF 421 Midwifery Management ( 2) This course is designed to provide students with different aspects of management from the management of each individual woman's care to the management of workload. The student will also learn about styles, theories of management and time management. MDWF 389 Midwifery Seminar ( 1) This course aims to address issues arising out of the students extended practicum and review the issues in the light of current research and deal with current issues in midwifery practice. PRACTICUM COURSES DESCRIPTION MDWF 011 Practicum: Basic Nursing ( 2) This course is designed to prepare student midwives with basic Nursing skills that are needed during their work in addition to practicing their ability in applying nursing processes. MDWF 012 Practicum: Adult Health (1) This course facilitates the students to apply theory presented into practice improve their abilities to deal with different cases acute/chronic in both medical and surgical units. MDWF 013 Practicum: Advanced Adult Nursing (1) This course facilitates the students to ably theory presented into practice it improves their abilities to deal with critical cases and to work in critical care units as well as providing life support and appropriate help in variety of emergency situation. MDWF 014 Practicum: Pediatrics (1) This course gives the opportunity for students to apply the theory presented in MDWF 312, which facilitates the students to deal with this age group and to be aware of the problems faced by the woman in her childhood period. MDWF 015 Practicum: Neonatology ( 1) This course gives the opportunity for the student midwife to differentiate between the healthy and the unhealthy neonate, working with high risk neonates through spending a period of time in normal nurseries and neonatal intensive care units. 16 17
MDWF 016 Practicum: Antenatal ( 1) This course gives the students the opportunity to apply theory and skills taken. Emphasis is placed on management offer to pregnant mother during antenatal period, facilitating the students to follow up the mother and the ability to diagnose and manage the high risk cases. Students will practice their role as a health educator through arranging for ante-natal classes. MDWF 017 Practicum: Community Health ( 1) This course gives the opportunity to apply theories learned independently. It facilitates the student midwife to gain skills related to community institutions that concern women's health, students will be practice their role as a counselor for women and deal with certain psychological problems, in addition to broadening their experience in practicing their role as a community midwife. MDWF 021, 022, 023 Advance Practicum: Labor and Delivery, Antenatal & Postnatal ( 3,1,1) These courses provide the opportunity for the students to reach the competency level through practicing independently. They facilitate the use of clinical judgment and decision making when providing care for low risk mothers before taking action about high risk. The students will be given more practice opportunities to manage the total care of the mothers throughout pregnancy, labor and post-natal. Student Regulations Students should follow the university rules & regulation in general (see student handbook). & the department regulations in specific. MDWF 018 Practicum: Labor ( 2) This course gives the opportunity for the students to apply the theory presented, and to be able to manage normal labor and delivery as well as complicated ones. MDWF 019,020 Practicum: Post natal & Gynecology ( 1, 1) This course gives the opportunity for the students to practice their role in the postpartum unit as care giver, educator and councilor and gives them the opportunity to practice their role at gynecological units. MDWF 024 Practicum: Management ( 1) This course gives the students the opportunity to apply the theory presented, in addition to be able to practice their role as managers and supervisors. 18 19
1. Pass standards: The grading system is as follows: A=excellent, B=verygood, C=good, D=satisfactory and F=fail The grade of C (70%) is the pass grade for all major theoretical & clinical courses which are coded (MDWF). Failure to maintain a C grade means that the student has to repeat the course which will affect the sequence of the courses. 2. Clinical: The program includes different clinical courses according to the need of each course. It s credited; students have to earn a pass grade (C) in addition to the final evaluation of the student s performance after the completion of each practicum. No clinical absence is permitted. If a student has to miss more than three clinical days without excuse she will repeat the course. Students should listen to the clinical instructions or policies from the clinical instructor or program supervisor. All students should take the immunization against hepatitis B virus before starting clinical. Students have to fulfill 600 clinical hours in a hospital of her choice or of her living area as part of the program requirements (internship period) at the last semester of their study. During this period student will supervise by university supervisor who will follow up the student s progress in her practice with the assigned preceptor from the clinical setting to be able to reach the competency level. 3. Incident Reports An incident report should filled out and signed by the respective student and instructor when any error is made in clinical settings. 4. Malpractice Insurance: All students will have coverage for malpractice. 5. Comprehensive Examinations: A comprehensive examination will be held at the end of the fourth year after the completion of all the program requirements. It will include all the major aspects related to the specialty. 6. Seminars: Students have to complete a seminar in the last semester of their study. It will be based on research conducted papers on issues, trends, which are considered important to their specialty. 20 21