Topic outline
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Initially, students may be mostly in an observational role with their first introduction to the clinical environment while on placement and while caring for women through CoCE. As students develop knowledge and skills, and confidence increases, they are able to take on additional involvement in clinical care. Regardless of the confidence a student may have, they must always work within their scope of practice - asking questions and seeking direction is an important part of working in a collaborative environment. There are two types of supervision; direct and indirect.
Direct supervision is when the supervisor/clinician takes direct and principal responsibility for the midwifery care provided (e.g. assessment and/or treatment of an individual woman). The supervisor must be physically present at the workplace, and supervision must include observation of the student as they are providing care.
Indirect supervision is when the supervisor is easily contactable and available to observe and discuss the midwifery care the student is delivering.
Meal breaks: As students progress through their program, third year students and some second year students may be asked whether they can work with indirect supervision while their supervising midwife takes a meal break. If they are indirectly supervised during the midwife's break, the team leader must be made aware and be easily accessible in case they need assistance. Students know to not hesitate to request assistance at any time.
Please NOTE: If students are ever in the position where they feel uncomfortable being asked to work under indirect supervision, they must let their supervising midwife and/or the team leader know. They have the right to feel safe in their learning and to have supervision provided at the level they need.
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