Experiences and expectations of student midwives entering the final year of their programme of study

Whilst theoretical assessment is linear throughout the pre-registration midwifery programme, anecdotal evidence suggests there is a disproportionate increase in expectations of student midwives as they enter their third year of study, with the term ‘you’re a third year now…’ being frequently cited as a reminder that they are on countdown to qualification and the associated responsibilities of autonomous practice. Whilst the Standards (NMC, 2009) state pre-registration midwifery programmes must be at least three years or the equivalent to 156 weeks full time, anecdotal evidence of students’ experiences in practice suggest that there is a culture of expectation that they should be proficient from the start of their third year, even though they are only two thirds of the way through their training. This article will explore the experiences and expectations of student midwives who have just commenced their final year of training and in the context of an increasing birth rate; increasing workloads and staff shortages consider how they can be best supported by education and placement providers to successfully complete their studies to be admitted to the register.