Student midwives' experiences regarding completion of midwifery register at a nursing college in the Eastern Cape

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe experiences of student midwives regarding completion of midwifery register at a nursing college in the Eastern Cape. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was employed. Ten participants were encompassed, and a non-probability sampling technique was used. Data collection involved unstructured face-to-face interviews. Interview recordings were transcribed verbatim, and data analysis followed Tesch‟s eight-step method. Findings revealed enormous trials such as lack of resources, deficiency of support by midwives and lecturers. The following themes regarding completion of midwifery register emerged from data analysis; positive experiences, personal experiences, challenges experienced, deterrent factors and finally impact of non-completion of midwifery register. Recommendations were done centred on research findings for midwifery academics, clinical midwife practitioners, student midwives, nursing institutions, and lastly, further research.