BACKGROUND:
Midwifery shortages are implicated in the closure of small maternity units in Australia reducing women’s access to maternity care thereby increasing risk. Midwives who are also registered nurses are preferentially employed in small maternity units where nursing work is also required. Little is known about the experiences of Single Registered Midwives (SRMs) working in small maternity units where they are expected to care for general patients in addition to midwifery.

OBJECTIVES:
Understand the impacts on SRMs of working in small maternity units. Produce evidence to inform recruitment strategies, Potentially reduce midwifery vacancies in small maternity units.

METHODS:
Descriptive phenomenology was used for the study. From 2022 – 2024 in-depth interviews were held with12 SRMs across Australia to elicit rich data. Recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysis was via reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS:
Six major themes we are uncovered: SRMs flourish as midwives; 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.

CONCLUSIONS:
SRMs are valued as midwives in small maternity units and they willingly assist with general patience within their scope of practise as a midwife, refusing to care for inappropriate general patients. They have regulatory concerns about working outside their scope and believe the role of the SRM is misunderstood. Clarity around the SRM role and scope of practice for general patients would assist employment decisions and workplace dynamics.

KEY MESSAGE:
SRMs are valued as midwives in small maternity units; the scope of practise for SRMs caring for general patients requires clarity; and improved understanding of the SRM role may improve workplace dynamics. Poster session 4 (Group B)