204 | Summary This thesis deals with the occupational wellbeing of midwives in the Netherlands with a focus on newly qualified midwives (NQMs) and their transition into practice. We identified the job demands and resources as perceived by newly qualified midwives who work in the community or in the hospital (chapter 2 and 3). The next chapters focus on different stakeholders’ perceptions regarding NQMs transition-into practice, the wellbeing of NQMs and experienced midwives and its’ determinants and on midwives who (have intentions to) leave the profession and how this process works. Chapter 1 concerns a general introduction to the subject, problem and objective of this thesis. Definitions and descriptions are provided of occupational wellbeing, transitioninto-practice, and the specific training of midwives and the organization of midwifery care in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the Job Demands Resources model as theoretical framework is explained. This thesis aims to provide knowledge about 1) the occupational wellbeing of NQMs in practice, 2) the transition-into-practice experiences of NQMs, and 3) how to support this transition period in practice. As research shows that NQMs in practice need supportive fellow midwives for self-confidence and feelings of competence in practice, we also studied experienced midwives’ wellbeing, their perceptions on supporting NQMs, and whether they have intentions of leaving the profession. Research questions within this thesis are: 1. How do NQMs perceive their transition-into-midwifery practice, and how is this transition supported in practice? 2. What are the levels of wellbeing of NQMs and of experienced midwives in the Netherlands, and which determinants are associated with wellbeing and intentions to leave the practice? 3. What are the desired and the feasible components of support of the NQMs’ transitioninto-practice? Chapter 2 concerns a qualitative study among community-based NQMs. The aim of this study is to identify perceived job demands and job resources of NQMs, working in primary midwifery care during their first years in practice. A qualitative study, with semistructured group interviews was conducted. Midwives working less than three years in primary midwifery care in the Netherlands were invited to join a focus group interview. Five focus group interviews took place with 31 participants. Data were analyzed thematically by using the different characteristics of the Job Demands Resources model. Working as a locum midwife is demanding for Dutch NQMs, due to a large number of working hours in different practices and a lack of job security. Decision-making and
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