| Abstract | Background
Midwifery faces ongoing challenges in recruitment and retention, with increasing recognition that student experience and early career transition are critical to sustaining the workforce. Creating environments that support safe, compassionate care is essential to ensuring midwifery remains an attractive career.
Objective
This doctoral research aimed to explore how student midwives experience their education and transition into clinical practice, and to identify factors that influence confidence, competence, wellbeing, and retention within the profession.
Methods
A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was adopted within a mixed-methods design. Data were collected through surveys, focus groups, and semi-structured interviews with student midwives. The study explored experiences of clinical learning, support, supervision, and preparation for practice.
Results
Findings highlight that positive student experiences are shaped by supportive learning environments, effective supervision, and strong relationships with peers and mentors. Participants emphasised the importance of psychological safety, compassionate leadership, and opportunities for reflection in developing confidence and critical thinking skills. Conversely, exposure to unsupported clinical environments contributed to anxiety, emotional distress, and reduced sense of belonging. The transition to practice was particularly challenging where structured support, such as preceptorship and supervision, was inconsistent. Education that integrates reflective practice, clinical immersion, and continuity of care models was perceived to enhance preparedness for compassionate, safe care.
Conclusion
To attract and retain midwives, education and practice must prioritise compassionate, inclusive, and psychologically safe environments. Midwifery curricula should balance clinical competence with critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and reflective skills. Ongoing professional development, including structured preceptorship, accessible continuing education, and leadership opportunities, is essential to sustain a resilient and confident workforce. Aligning education, support, and leadership with compassionate care values is key to ensuring the future of midwifery. |
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