This book focuses on the unique characteristics of the profession of midwifery in the United States, discussing both current issues and future directions. The framework for the book is based upon the Institute of Medicine's competencies for health professions education -- patient-centered care, interdisciplinary teams, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics -- which are identified as essential aspects of patient safety and quality care.

Midwives are accountable to the public, patients, their employers and the profession. It is essential that student midwives have a clear understanding of the legal and professional dilemmas they face in the course of their career and how to address those dilemmas in order to practise effectively. This book is an essential resource for student midwives developing their knowledge and understanding of the requirements for safe practice. It provides a clear introduction to the subject, with activities and case studies throughout to illustrate key principles and apply the law in context.

Why ethics for midwives? -- Existing ethical codes, guidelines, and value statements -- Privacy and confidentiality -- Informed consent/choice -- Who is the client? -- Multiple relationships -- Scope of practice and competence -- Working with other professionals -- Client non-compliance and termination of care -- Diversity, equity, and justice -- Addressing ethical concerns -- Ethical thinking, caring, and decision-making.

This text offers a comprehensive account of the law as it relates to midwifery, from employment law to litigation and compensation, and health and safety to disability discrimination.

Midwives are accountable to the public, patients, their employers and the profession. It is essential that student midwives have a clear understanding of the legal and professional dilemmas they face in the course of their career and how to address those dilemmas in order to practise effectively. This book is an essential resource for student midwives developing their knowledge and understanding of the requirements for safe practice. It provides a clear introduction to the subject, with activities and case studies throughout to illustrate key principles and apply the law in context.

Written by two of the professionís most prominent midwifery leaders, this authoritative history of midwifery in the United States, from the 1600s to the present, is distinguished by its vast breadth and depth. The book spans the historical evolution of midwives as respected, autonomous health care workers and midwifery as a profession, and considers the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities for this discipline as enduring motifs throughout the text. It surveys the roots of midwifery, the beginnings of professional practice, the founding of educational institutions and professional organizations, and entry pathways into the profession. Woven throughout the text are such themes as the close link between midwives and the communities in which they live, their view of pregnancy and birth as normal life events, their efforts to promote health and prevent illness, and their dedication to being with women wherever they may be and in whatever health condition and circumstances they may be in. The text examines the threats to midwifery past and present, such as the increasing medicalization of childbearing care, midwiferyís lack of a common identity based on education and practice standards, the mix of legal recognition, and reimbursement issues for midwifery practice. Illustrations and historical photos depict the many facets of midwifery, and engaging stories provide cultural and spiritual content. This is a ìmust-haveî for all midwives, historians, professional and educational institutions, and all those who share a passion for the history of midwifery and women. Key Features: Encompasses the most authoritative and comprehensive information available about the history of midwifery in the United States Considers the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities for midwifery Illustrated with historical photos and drawings Includes engaging stories filled with cultural and spiritual content, introductory quotes to each chapter, and plentiful chapter notes Written by two preeminent leaders in the field of midwifery

Pamphlet is a succinct statement of the ethical obligations and duties of individuals who enter the nursing profession, the profession's nonnegotiable ethical standard, and an expression of nursing's own understanding of its commitment to society. Provides a framework for nurses to use in ethical analysis and decision-making.

Legal and ethical competence is a cornerstone of professional midwifery practice and an essential part of midwifery training. Law and Ethics for Midwifery is a unique and practical resource for student midwives. Written by an experienced midwifery lecturer, this text draws on a wide variety of real life case studies and focuses particularly on the core areas of accountability, autonomy and advocacy. Opening with two chapters providing overviews respectively of ethical theories and legislation, the book is then arranged thematically. These chapters have a common structure which includes case studies, relevant legislation, reflective activities and a summary, and they run across areas of concern from negligence through safeguarding to record-keeping. Grounded in midwifery practice, the text enables student midwives to consider and prepare for ethical and legal dilemmas they may face as midwives in clinical practice.

Law for Nurses and Midwives is the most highly respected health law text for nursing and midwifery students studying law as part of their degree. Now in its 8th edition, this fundamental text outlines legal issues and responsibilities specific to both nursing and midwifery practice and features the legislation relevant to the provision of safe, quality healthcare in Australia. Authored by Patricia Staunton and Mary Chiarella, this fully revised edition includes updates to case law and the latest information on nursing and midwifery governance and the professional regulation of nurses and midwives. Revised Registration Standards and Standards for Practice established by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA), effective 2016Learning Objectives that highlight what students will attain from each chapterThe law in context through Case Examples, Clinical Examples and Case StudiesReview Questions to consolidate learning Break down of legislation by state and territoryUpdated state and territory statutes"

All midwives have a professional obligation through the Midwives' Rules to meet the spiritual needs of mothers. This topical and easy to read book will help them. It explains the nature of spiritual care, dispelling the myth that it is only concerned with religion, and explores its role as an integral part of midwifery practice, using case histories as illustrations. The issues relating to educating midwives and students are discussed and suggestions made for course content. Exploration is made of the role of others in giving spiritual care and how the midwife fits in to these present patterns of care. The conclusion of this book provides a resource for potential future research questions.