Art in a Midwifery Curriculum

Registered nurses (RNs) come to Shortened Midwifery programmes with varied knowledge and skills. It is important to explore different ways to support RNs, transitioning to become midwives. From the outset, art was integrated into all aspects of the programme to promote learning and to support them to make connections during their personal and professional journey. This gave students opportunities to explore the deeper emotional aspects of childbearing.
Students created illustrations, wall hangings, poems, and designed their own midwifery units.

What art did for students:

Enhanced the student experience

Provided a catalyst for learning

Promoted creative thinking

Facilitated the personal growth of students

Supported the transition from nurse to midwife

What midwifery educators saw and loved:

Growth of professional identity

Growth in confidence

Greater criticality and accountability

Evidence of compassionate midwifery care integrated into assessment

Group creativity