Leading midwifery? – But I’m just a student!

Abstract

Introduction: Leadership in midwifery may seem like the least important thing for students focused on learning midwifery clinical skills. However, most midwives are ‘leaders’ by the very nature of their profession. Learning how to be an effective leader will serve the individual midwife professionally, but is also critical in moving the profession forward in the future. Methods: This interactive session will explore what it means to be a leader and will have students identify areas they believe are crucial for midwifery leaders to address in the future. I will draw from my leadership experiences as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, past President of the American College of NurseMidwives, and as Executive Deputy Dean of the Yale School of Nursing. I will use narratives that capture how leadership began early in my career – whether I wanted it or not. Results: Leadership requires accountability for recognising health care gaps and gathering resources to address them. It is not someone else’s job – it is ours! Gaining skills in leadership is not that difficult, but requires persistence and tenacity, and a good dose of humility. Conclusion: As students consider their futuremidwifery careers, they will add to the equation how they will use their own leadership abilities to make a difference for women and their families.