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Reforming professional identity: experiences of internationally educated midwives in a Swedish bridging program – A qualitative study

Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: • Learning small talk and providing continuous support were the biggest challenges. • The migrated midwives encountered differences in healthcare systems and diverse approaches to interacting with women. • Results have relevance for preceptors learning how to mentor migrated midwives. • A bridging program has the potential to bridge the gap between a shortage of midwives and competence waste. The first bridging program for midwives in Sweden started in 2018. This made it possible for midwives educated outside of the EU/EES and Switzerland to obtain a Swedish midwifery license and become familiar with the Swedish healthcare system within a year. To describe midwiveś, who have obtained their midwifery education outside of the EU/EES and Switzerland, experiences obtaining a Swedish midwifery license through the bridging program Karolinska Institutet. A qualitative study was conducted utilizing semi-structured interviews with nine midwives who had completed the bridging program. Content analysis was used. From the analysis, one theme emerged: ’Reforming professional identity.’ This theme encompassed four categories: A bridging program as a way of reaching the goal, experience of support, becoming familiar with a new healthcare system and learning while using a new language.“ The necessity for a bridging program became apparent as the midwives’ encountered differences in healthcare systems and diverse approaches to interacting with birthing women. Acquiring the skill to provide consistent support was occasionally challenging, demanding proficient communication skills, with casual conversation posing the greatest obstacle.
DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2025.101165
Language: English
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,850
OpenAlex ID: W4416197493
FWCI:
Cites: 7
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