Building, Bridging, Being: The Transition to Clinical Practice for New Registrant Midwives in Ontario

Abstract

Background: The transition to clinical practice is a phenomenon that all health care professionals experience and one that has been studied in many fields of health care, yet remains largely unexamined for Canadian midwives. This study asked the question: How do new registrant midwives in Ontario navigate the transition from student to clinician during their first year of clinical practice? Methodology: In this grounded theory study, a total of 13 semi-structured interviews were conducted with Ontario midwives from three participant groups: A) New registrants in their first year of clinical practice; B) Registered midwives with 1-5 years of clinical experience; C) Registered midwives who work with new registrants as supervisors or mentors. Findings: The Building, Bridging, and Being theory describes how new registrants transitioned to clinical practice. During the Building phase, individuals developed the knowledge and skills for clinical practice; midwifery students experienced elements of this phase during their final clinical placement. The Bridging phase occurred when new registrants embarked on independent clinical practice; this phase was characterized by providing clinical care without the safety net of a preceptor. Finally, the Being phase occurred when new registrants developed confidence in their skills and professional identity as midwives. A final theme, Bettering, encompassed participants’ suggestions of ways to help improve the transition process. Conclusion: The Building, Bridging, Being theory contributes to the present understanding of the transition to clinical practice for midwives in Ontario. This study highlighted the importance of strengthening the Preparation, Orientation, Mentorship, and Ongoing Education of new registrants through their transition to clinical practice. The findings of this study are relevant to individuals and organizations invested in educating and integrating midwives into the Ontario health care system and provides a starting point for further research centered on the transition to clinical practice for midwives in Ontario and throughout Canada.