Midwifery Mentorship: Lifting each other up
The Oregon Affiliate of ACNM is excited to announce the launch of our midwifery mentorship program. The primary aim of the program will be to support new midwives in their transition to independent clinical practice. We are looking for 6 to 8 volunteers to form our Mentorship Program Development Committee which will convene virtually at intervals determined by the committee members.
Why Mentorship Matters!
According to an ACNM Workforce databrief published in 2023, there continues to be a shortage of midwives in the United States. This report found that 2,404 midwives in the US are projected to retire by 2030 representing a loss of 16.6 % of the current workforce. The midwifery shortage in the US is further compounded by the fact that 20 to 30 percent of all students who enroll in midwifery education programs do not become certified within 3 years of enrollment. According to the report, of those new graduates who do become certified, 30% leave clinical practice within the first 5 years and nearly half leave clinical practice within 10 years of initial certification.
An Achievable Solution
Evidence shows that mentorship of new graduate midwives can promote personal and professional growth, increase positive attitudes toward work, reduce attrition rates, and improve outcomes for patients. While we acknowledge that mentorship is only one piece of ameliorating working conditions for midwives, it is a valuable and achievable intervention in the short-term. This is why the OR Affiliate of ACNM has prioritized this project in Oregon.
Do You Have Program Development Experience or Want to Gain Experience?
Work has already been completed by OR ACNM to assemble a detailed, evidence-based implementation guide informed by best practices for creating mentorship programs. The guide will provide a framework to develop the implementation phase of the program. Areas of work that will advance the program will be determined by the committee and each member will take the lead on a specific domain.
Want More Information?
RSVP below to one of our live information sessions.
All inquiries are welcome. We are looking for a diverse pool of midwives with an interest in mentorship and program development. You do not need to live in Oregon to participate in this project.
We look forward to developing this program from within our midwifery community, making us stronger together as we define and support our profession. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about the program or the process: ORACNMmentorship@gmail.com