Saolta is inviting all registered general nurses who are interested in pursuing a career in midwifery to apply for the Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Midwifery Programme.
Registered nurses interested in training to be a midwife can now apply for the Higher Diploma in Midwifery, HSE Sponsorship and Recruitment Programme.
Meadhbh Hughes, Post Registration Midwifery Programme Co-ordinator, said that the programme, which builds on prior professional learning and nursing experience, runs for 18 months and consists of 26 weeks theory and 54 weeks clinical practice.
“Currently there is only sponsorship places available for University Hospital Galway. If anyone would like further information, they can email me directly at meadhbhb.hughes@hse.ie.”
The programme will provide participants with the specific clinical and theoretical requirements needed to become a Registered Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
Selected applicants will be offered an 18-month contract of paid employment for duration of the programme.
In addition, they will be paid your full RGN salary at their increment during the programme and full entitlements for annual leave and bank holidays will be retained.
The programme offers a 37.5 hour rostered week, opportunities for continuous professional development, access to the HSE Employee Assistance Programme, college fees paid and student access to all college facilities.
The programme, which builds on prior professional learning and nursing experience consists of 26 weeks theory and 54 weeks clinical practice. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, 15 November 2023.
Interested candidates can apply online via the link: https://www.rezoomo.com/job/57114/
Siobhan Canny, Group Director of Midwifery with the Saolta Group, urged any registered nurses considering a change to check out the programme.
“Prior to becoming a Midwife I worked for a number of years as a Nurse, which I very much enjoyed,” said Siobhan.
“I was drawn to Midwifery as I had a strong interest in women’s health and I wanted to broaden my knowledge and skill base in this area.
“I have been a Midwife for over 20 years and remain as passionate about my profession now as I was when I first started I genuinely enjoy all aspects of the role.”
Encouraging others to consider the programme, she added that it is an exciting time to consider a career in midwifery.
“The first National strategy for Maternity services is in palace, which has led to significant investment in services. The strategy maps out improved and safe choices of care pathways for women and their families, and midwives play an important role in all pathways of care.
“More community midwifery and midwifery led services are being developed and rolled out as part of the implementation of the strategy.”
Reena Samuel, current Postgraduate Higher Diploma Student Midwife said: “For me, it’s a great thing to help and support a mother throughout their journey of pregnancy to birth and afterwards.
“Midwifery is a proud job. Nurses can save lives but midwifery helps to bring a new life to world.”
Caroline Cook, current Postgraduate Higher Diploma Student Midwife, said: “I wanted to jump ship from General Nursing to midwifery late in my career as pregnancy and birth is such a magical time and it’s an absolute privilege to be part of.”
Niamh Sweeney, Postgraduate Higher Diploma Student Midwife, said that that it is a privilege to guide a woman at the most vulnerable time in her life to one of her happiest moments.
“I am delighted to have had the chance to pursue a career in Midwifery. There are many career opportunities which open up once you qualify as a Midwife.”
Those interested in applying for the Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Midwifery programme must be registered in the General Division of the Register of Nurses maintained by The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI), or eligible to be registered.
