Author Identifier
Angela Bull: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4747-3927
Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)
School
School of Nursing and Midwifery
First Supervisor
Sara Bayes
Second Supervisor
Sadie Geraghty
Third Supervisor
Kate Buchanan
Fourth Supervisor
Mitra Javanmard
Abstract
Midwifery shortages are implicated in the closure of small general hospital maternity units in Australia, reducing women’s access to maternity care and thereby increasing risk to their own and to babies’ health and safety. In some Australian hospitals, midwives who are also registered nurses are preferentially employed because nursing work is also required, yet little is known about the experiences of single registered (non-nurse) midwives working in these settings where they are expected to care for general patients in addition to practising midwifery. The aim of this research was to understand the impacts on Single Registered Midwives (SRMs) of working in small general hospital maternity units by exploring their lived experiences, and it was conducted because this information could potentially help reduce midwifery vacancies by producing reliable evidence for health service employers to inform recruitment strategies.
Transcendental Phenomenology methodology was used for the study. From 2022 – 2024, in depth interviews were held with 12 SRMs across Australia to elicit rich data. Recordings were transcribed verbatim, and analysis was conducted via reflexive thematic analysis. Six major themes emerged: SRMs flourish as midwives and manage dynamics; SRMs willingly care for unfamiliar general patients; Collegial frustration and SRM negotiation; Concerns for patient harm and legalities; SRMs as learners; and Misunderstandings and reaffirming choice to be a SRM.
It is evident from this study that SRMs are valued as midwives in small maternity units, and that they almost always willingly assist with general patients when requested, however they understand their limitations and refuse to care for general patients when the care required would be outside of their professional scope, because they have regulatory concerns. It was also found that other health professionals have knowledge gaps and misunderstanding around the scope of SRMs’ role.
New knowledge revealed in this study provides information that can be used to improve SRMs’ workplace experiences, inform employment strategies that align to SRMs’ role and identity, and support SRMs to provide quality care for general patients; it also provides a foundation for further research.
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 13th March 2030
Recommended Citation
Bull, A. (2026). Single registered midwives’ lived experiences of midwifery and nursing work in small Australian general hospital maternity units. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/c9qn-t784