National Midwifery Institute Statements
NMI has been following the developments of Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic and has carefully considered our role as an educational institution in protecting and informing our staff, students, and clinical faculty (our students’ preceptors). This has led to major concerns regarding the appropriateness of clinical apprenticeship during this challenging time, while at the same time we have weighed the realities of students in understaffed communities who may see increasing demands for care. We also have a responsibility to the public and to global health to honor what is being asked by most of our communities: to STAY HOME.
In Summary, What is NMI Suggesting?
If you are NOT ESSENTIAL to the care of your preceptor’s clients, STAY HOME now, and consider suspending your apprenticeship altogether. We know this is a lot to ask, not only of our students but also of the preceptors who rely on them. But the reality is that students are not permitted to provide care without supervision (yes, even during this time). Thus their participation is not essential to care. When safe care depends on a student (e.g., awaiting the arrival of their preceptor, the student is the only assistant at a birth), exceptions may be made. Please read our detailed statements linked above. Summary: students are not essential to care as birth attendants and, unless they serve as the only assistant, should consider suspending their apprenticeships. Likewise, they should not be attending in-person prenatal or postpartum appointments with clients at this time.
But is NMI requiring that I stop my apprenticeship? No, NMI does not have that kind of relationship with our students and preceptors. We did not place you in your apprenticeships, you found them yourselves. Your apprenticeships are not ours to take away. But we are asking you to think critically about your participation in care and make informed choices about public, client, and personal safety. To be very clear, NMI is strongly advising you to heed public health recommendations regarding COVID-19, and to cease all non-essential care. Further, if we were a school that placed students in apprenticeships and had the ability to pull students out at this point, we would do so. That’s how concerned we are.
Further Resources for your Safety
Public Health Measures
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Midwifery Practice in a Pandemic
Resources on Essential Visits and Videoconference Provision of Care
Ontario Midwives: Adjusting Client Visits and Using PPE in COVID19 Pandemic
Coronavirus: Midwives on the front line (NACPM with Aviva Romm MD)
Women’s Rights in Childbirth Must be Upheld During the Coronavirus Pandemic (ICM)
