Carolan-Olah, Mary ORCID: 0000-0001-5908-9685 and Kruger, Gina ORCID: 0000-0003-2291-7648 (2011) Concerns among first year midwifery students: Towards addressing attrition rates. Contemporary Nurse, 38 (1-2). pp. 139-147. ISSN 1037-6178

Abstract

Since 2000, there has been a shift to undergraduate midwifery education in Australia. Midwifery students are generally highly motivated, however attrition rates remain high among first-year students. This study was undertaken in one Australian University against a background of high course demand and high student attrition. Thirty-two first-year midwifery students completed a demographic questionnaire and wrote a reflection in response to the question: What if anything, would make your experience as a first year student better? Data were subjected to thematic content analysis. Findings indicated a need for: greater opportunities to prepare; for more time to study; for greater student supports; and outlined difficulties such as financial and childcare. In conclusion, undergraduate midwifery courses and local conditions vary among institutions. Student feedback is a useful way of identifying local concerns that may impact on student completion rates. This is a necessary first step to the provision of meaningful student support.

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