Edinburgh Napier University

  This paper presents the findings from a doctoral study which used Narrative Inquiry to explore the development of professional identity in Midwives. The exploration is important because there is concern about the retention of midwives within the workforce.

I will present the findings which will illustrate that becoming a midwife is more than possessing a set of skills, and behaviours. Upon graduation midwives must establish an identity as both a professional and an employee when entering the workforce. The journey to becoming a midwife will be illustrated via the stories of five midwives who participated in the study.