Work

‘Work while you learn’: Evaluating a paid employment model for postgraduate midwifery students in diverse contexts

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Postgraduate midwifery student employment models are lacking robust evaluation of how the paid employment model serves as a workforce strategy in Western Australia. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate a paid employment model for postgraduate midwifery students, that was implemented in metropolitan, rural, and regional areas in a Western Australian context. METHODS: A convergent parallel design collected both quantitative and qualitative data. This study used a survey design with quantitative and qualitative questions within a well-established process evaluation framework. RESULTS: All midwifery students reported benefits of the paid model of employment, which included financial stability while studying and feeling valued by belonging to one institution. Challenges were identified as reduced or lack of exposure to some experiences and heavy workloads. CONCLUSION: The postgraduate midwifery students in this study were positive about the introduction of a paid employment model in the public, private and regional / rural hospital settings. The findings reported negatives and benefits for the students, and for the future workforce.

Source: Women and Birth

DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2025.102087

Authors: Sadie Geraghty, Kirstie Balding, Sheena McChlery, Sarah Hay

Institutions: The University of Notre Dame Australia, Edith Cowan University

Language: English

Topic: Nursing education and management

Subfield: Research and Theory

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Quality education, Reduced inequalities, Gender equality, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,613