Midwifery Students' Testimonial

Graduate of the Master of Science (Midwifery) degree 1999.
Enrolled in Master of Science (Midwifery, Honours) 2000

I enrolled in the Masters of Midwifery Postgraduate Degree at the University of Wollongong in 1997. I commenced my degree in March 1998 as a part-time student while I continued to work full-time. I was prepared for the commitment to work very hard in order to achieve my goal over the next 2 years. My qualifications prior to the Course were RN, CM, CAFHN, IBCLC and I was working for the local area health service in rural Australia. The first year of the Course was revision for me due to the fact that I am already a qualified midwife and currently working as a Child and Family Health Nurse (CAFHN). However returning to study after a 3 year break meant more effort on my behalf at first, in order to focus my attention, so I was grateful for the revision component.

I enjoyed being able to assist other students with less experience and this assisted me when I was required to give presentations. The latter is an important component of the course. I learned a great deal in computing skills this year and lost my technophobe! Once I came to grips with the computer skills everything else seemed to be easier.

Second year was a great challenge, the subjects were new and for the first time I felt I got the support I needed to tackle Statistics. The benefits for this became obvious at the end of the year when I decided to continue with my study and do Masters Honours. Having my boundaries expanded on ethical matters in the second year was an important tool to assist in the delivery of non-judgemental care.

The staff at Wollongong University are enormously encouraging to students who show an interest in doing research. Nothing is too much trouble for them in finding ways to support the student.

The degree has given me the confidence to work on new projects with my colleagues. As rural Australia presents a challenge in finding innovative ways for health service delivery, the Postgraduate Midwifery degree has provided me with skills for reflection on practice and improving the quality of overall care of clients who present at the service. As a result of my study and achieving my degree I have reached the status of Clinical Nurse Consultant. This is an important time in my career when I am continuing with my research and to work in my role as a newly appointed CNC. I have more confidence in my area of expertise now and I am grateful to be able to share my ideas with my peers who have not been as fortunate as I have in attending The University of Wollongong.

EMER COOPER. MSc., RN, CM, CAFHN, IBCLC