O42 - If you build it - they will come: Innovative approaches to Graduate recruitment, retention and development

Abstract

The aim of this Graduate Program innovation was to develop a curriculum inspired by contemporary approaches to theoretical, clinical and professional development. Based on feedback from previous graduate programs and the broad interests of our newly qualified midwives (NQM), we developed an innovative, individualised graduate program that supports the different development needs of the NQM and the workforce needs of the organisation and women. The graduate program is a 12-month program at a tertiary women’s hospital. All NQM are employed at 64 hours a fortnight and gain experience in the provision of midwifery care for women during pregnancy, labour and birth and the postnatal period. What is unique about this program is that the NQM, have the opportunity to have placements in specialty areas and programs, such as the a Research Internship program, Midwifery Group Practice, remote or rural placement, a dual degree pathway for midwives graduating from a dual degree university degree and a secondary maternity service. In addition to other clinical areas not included as part of the core program such as Emergency Centre and the mental health unit. Formal evaluation data will be available in June 2022 from the NQM on placement in these areas. Midwifery workforce recruitment and retention is recognised as a global, national and local priority. Ensuring that Graduate Programs inspire and support NQM to reach their full potential as a midwife, whilst developing midwives that can work across all areas and services in midwifery. This program could be transferrable to other graduate programs either in part or as a whole program. Offering a flexible, varied program offers benefits to the health service and the graduate, creating a diverse future midwifery workforce.