Newly graduated midwives’ first period in professional practice : The Transition from Student to Practicing Midwife - A Qualitative Metasynthesis

Background: The midwifery profession is complex and requires knowledge to provide safe and person-centered care within reproductive, perinatal, and sexual health. The transition from student to registered midwife demands both professional and personal adaptation, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of newly graduated midwives’ experiences. Aim: The aim of this qualitative metasynthesis is to illuminate the situation of newly qualified midwives during their initial period in professional practice. Methods: A qualitative meta-synthesis with meta-ethnographic analysis method, where articles were searched for in the databases PubMed, CINAHL. After quality review, 16 articles remained for analysis. Results: The analysis resulted in one main category – With a diploma in hand and responsibility on their shoulders – which reflects newly qualified midwives’ experiences of both vulnerability and professional development. The main category was organized into two generic categories with four associated subcategories: Growing into the professional role - When responsibility becomes reality and Work Environment Experience shapes security, What makes the transition bearable - A relevant education as a base and Support for professional development. Conclusion: The transition from student to licensed midwife is a demanding and sensitive period, where newly graduated midwives both develop professionally and face significant challenges. The results show that the preparation of education as well as support, introduction, and supervision in clinical activities are important for how the establishment in the professional role is experienced during the first period of professional life. Clinical implications: The results highlight factors that influence newly graduated midwives' early professional life and may be of relevance to both clinical practice and midwifery education.