Narrative Inquiry into the Professional Identity-Making of Ghanaian Midwives

Abstract

Professional identity-making is a complex life-making endeavor that is shaped by both the personal and professional knowledge landscapes in which people live and work. Using narrative inquiry, four midwives who had worked in diverse contexts in Ghana were purposively selected. We highlight how midwives’ experiences across time, place, and in diverse contexts shape their professional identity-making. Three main life experiences that shape professional identity-making were discovered: 1. Childhood experiences, 2. Education experiences, and 3. Professional work experiences. Midwifery education should prepare students to attend to this complex and ongoing identity development, in order to enhance midwifery practice.