Pushing boundaries and making it happen

Abstract

This paper describes and discusses one midwife’s journey of becoming and being a professor of midwifery. The main focus is on pushing the boundaries and making it happen. The author’s nursing and midwifery career is the case study and the past, present and future are the three destinations en route that are explored through personal reflections and aspirations. The content will demonstrate that ‘the journey is the reward’ and enjoying the adventure and having lots of creative ideas and vision helps along the way. Nevertheless, the journey can be challenging and sometimes the path chosen is not the most direct route. It highlights the important role that others can play when supporting and encouraging you to find your way and ultimately meet your goals. It also discusses how you will meet people along the way who will join you on your journey and some who will not. People make systems work, so you have to know how to motivate and encourage others. Research has played an important role throughout the journey and the author demonstrates how the dissemination of research findings ultimately can make a difference. In addition, the importance of communication, collaboration and networking should never be under-estimated as these aspects will help to push the boundaries and make it happen.