Newly qualified midwives' perceptions of their level of midwifery clinical competence during community service in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Background: There are links between the inadequate numbers of competent midwives and high maternal mortality ratios and neonatal mortality rates which highlights the significance of job-ready, newly qualified midwives who can display clinical competence. The South African Nursing Council regulated mandatory community service, as a supportive year to develop clinical competence.

Aim: To explore and describe newly qualified midwives' perceived level of midwifery clinical competence during community service.