Abstract
M.Cur.
Several studies have highlighted the need to support and nurture learner midwives and address the potentially stressful nature of their experiences; particularly around the qualified staff in hospitals for example Begley (2001).
A qualitative research design will be used to explore and describe the experiences of learner midwives in the midwifery clinical areas. The data collection method will be in-depth interviews. The population will comprise second level learners registered for a Diploma in Nursing (General, Psychiatry, Community) and Midwifery at a Nursing Education Institution in Gauteng.
Due to the qualitative nature of the study, sampling will continue until data is saturated. Non probability, purposive sampling will be used. The inclusion criteria will include learners who are practising in Midwifery clinical areas for example labour and post natal wards in an academic hospital, who are able to communicate in English and are capable of giving informed consent.
The sampling is purposive because the researcher had to increase theoretical understanding of some fact of the phenomenon being studied Burns & Grove (2005: 376), namely the experiences of learner midwives in the clinical midwifery areas.