OPTIMIZING MENTORSHIP TO IMPROVE MIDWIFERY'S MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP ABILITIES

Abstract

Background: The experience of mentorship plays a vital role in the development of midwifery students. The objective of midwifery education in Indonesia is to improve leadership and management skills to help students transition into registered midwives. Object: This research examined how mentorship experiences affected midwifery students’ readiness for leadership and management positions, as well as the challenges that hindered the effectiveness of mentorship in clinical environments. Method: This qualitative descriptive study included 20 final-year midwifery professional education students from the Health Polytechnic of Surabaya, who wrote essays reflecting on their preparedness for leadership, experiences in clinical learning, and their views on mentorship. The essays were analyzed using thematic analysis.  Results: A majority of students felt inadequately prepared for leadership due to limited guidance and exposure to clinical environments. Mentorship experiences differed significantly, with some students benefiting from the process, while others faced difficulties adapting, pointing to differences in mentor enthusiasm, teaching skills, and leadership approaches. Conclusion: Gaining practical, hands-on experience is crucial for developing leadership and management competencies. Nonetheless, students encounter challenges in balancing their academic responsibilities with clinical practice, which restricts their chances to refine their skills. Implications for practice Implementing a standardized mentorship program and extending clinical placements would provide students with more time to adjust to healthcare settings, understand their roles, and enhance their educational experiences.