Midwifery

You have to be able to ride a bike to be a midwife - let's face it, Call the Midwife has been great for highlighting midwifery as a career option however, thankfully the profession has moved on from bike-riding - unless you choose to do this in your spare time! One aspect that has not changed is however, the need for midwives to connect with women across social boundaries. Midwives support women regardless of their social circumstances, now more than ever, given the inequity in health outcomes across Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic women. In fact, midwives provide care to all women regardless of their social, physical or emotional circumstances, so whilst you don't need to be able to ride a bike, physical fitness and emotional resilience are useful traits.

You have to be a woman to be a midwife - this is simply wrong! While the majority of midwives happen to women, it is not a woman-only profession; and you will find that men are welcomed onto the midwifery programmes, just the same as any other student!

Midwives don’t care for sick women and babies – midwives are experts in caring for all women, babies and families. This includes caring for those whose experience of pregnancy, birth and transitioning to parenting is straightforward; and those who require additional, more complex care. All the knowledge and skills you need to be a midwife are embedded in midwifery programmes, so you will be well prepared for the diversity and challenges associated with this hugely satisfying career.

You have to have had children yourself to be a good midwife – definitely not! Your own personal experiences shape you as a person, but don’t determine the maternity care you give women and families. Every woman’s childbearing experience is unique, so midwives treat every woman with individualised, holistic care. Being a good midwife involves acquiring a deep understanding of midwifery philosophy, practice and evidence-based research, as well as developing excellent clinical and communication skills. Most important of all are empathy, objectivity and passion for this important role that midwives play in the lives of women and their families.

You have to be nurse before you can be a midwife - this is not true! Midwifery is distinct profession, and in fact, the majority of our midwives today have never been a nurse! You will learn everything you need to be an excellent midwife on the midwifery degree programme, so if you are given this career advice, find the courage to say no, and apply directly for a midwifery student place.

You have to be a certain age to study midwifery - there is no "certain age" to be midwife. A large number of midwifery students transition straight from school (age 18); while others come join the midwifery program later in life. However, there is good evidence that whatever a person's age or experience, they have a lot to bring to the midwifery profession; and the midwifery profession has a lot to offer them.

Seek Feedback

It’s important to understand if there was a particular aspect of your application that may have not expressed your drive or passion to begin a career in nursing or midwifery the only way to find out - is to get feedback - if you have not already received it.

• Your application form – ensure that you provide the right information with the right amount of detail. If you are re-applying take time to review and amend your information.
• Personal Statement – get feedback on this before you submit it from for example a Careers Advisor. This is essential especially if you are reapplying and will help you plan and refine it for the future.

Important aspects of feedback include:

• Your Interview – The universities are likely to provide feedback and if not then it is appropriate to ask for this. Take time to reflect on the advice provided.

Strengthening your Personal Profile

People who have some experience in the role which they are applying for can have an advantage over those who do not.

• Working as a Nursing Assistant or Maternity Support Worker will provide you with valuable health care working experience and evidence of this can be presented in your application form. This can be paid or voluntary.
• Some universities may offer bridging courses into the profession of your choice.
• Consider applying for other health care related courses or qualifications that may improve your reapplication or prepare you for studying at degree level, for example the Regional Colleges.

Prepare for Future Success

It is important to look at what makes applicants more desirable. If the university you applied to looks for specific qualifications that you do not have, explore how you could obtain these before your next application.

Don’t forget to speak to people such as teachers, tutors, health care professionals or other students studying on the course of your choice. Their advice and support can be both encouraging and invaluable.

Finally, Never Give Up!

You already know that Nursing or Midwifery is the profession you want to pursue - don’t be discouraged.

Eligibility

Students applying for a pre-registration nursing or direct entry midwifery course in Northern Ireland may be eligible a Health and Social Care (HSC) bursary.

Application for a Bursary

Application forms are dispatched after the university has confirmed your place on the course.

Other Allowances

• Dependency Allowances – you may be eligible to claim this allowance for a partner, other adult or children who are financially dependent on you; this allowance is means-tested and you will be required to provide evidence to support your claim.
  
  In addition, if you are eligible for these you may be entitled to a Parents Learning Allowance and/or Childcare Allowance.
• Disabled Students’ Allowance - may be payable if you have a disability and need extra help to complete your course. The allowance can help with specialist equipment, a non-medical helper or other course-related costs.
• Clinical Placement Expenses – as part of your course, student nurses and midwives will complete clinical placements at healthcare organisations throughout Northern Ireland. When the cost of travelling to these placements is greater than normal daily costs to and from the university, students may claim for any additional costs incurred.

Contact Information

For further information or any queries on the HSC student bursary contact:

Student Bursary Manager
Bursary Administration Unit
Business Services Organisation
2 Franklin Street
Belfast
BT2 8DQ

Tel: 02895363988 or 02895363818 or 02895363817

e-mail: studentnurse.busaries@hscni.net

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