Nursing - Midwifery

The Higher Diploma in Midwifery will open for applications in early 2022. Please check the HSE website for further information https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs/job-search/nursing/midwifery/

This is an 18-month programme for Registered General Nurses that leads to a Higher Diploma in Midwifery and registration as a midwife (RM) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI)

The programme is full time and is offered in partnership with Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH). Successful applicants will have EU Fees paid by the HSE subject to certain conditions. Students receive an 18-month contract of employment with CUMH and as an employee of the maternity services, must meet certain contractual obligations. Details will be provided in the contract of employment under the HSE Midwifery Sponsorship arrangements. Further info on HSE Website (view application weblink)

The theoretical component of the programme is delivered over 26 weeks with lectures in UCC and CUMH.

The practice component consists of 52 weeks of midwifery practice which includes annual leave. Midwifery practice includes a 24-hour cycle of care for mothers and babies therefore student midwives work day and night duty including weekends.

The 18 month programme meets the EU Directive for midwifery education programmes in Ireland. For those who wish to register as a midwife in other EU countries, under EU regulations, a further 12 months of practice as a qualified midwife is required.

Why Choose This Course
The course works towards developing a thinking, analytical, questioning midwife, who has an interest in learning and who can fully exploit the learning advantages of working within a midwifery environment. The course is student-based and designed to equip you with the clinical skills and theoretical knowledge needed by qualified midwives to provide high quality woman-centred care both in Ireland and internationally. Graduates will have an excellent theoretical framework which will ensure safe evidence-based autonomous midwifery practice.

Placement or Study Abroad Information
Students have an opportunity to gain experience in an area relevant to midwifery practice locally, nationally or internationally during a one week elective placement. This week is self-funded.

Students take 90 credits.

Year 1 (duration nine months) largely focuses on the role and activities of the midwife in providing care to healthy mothers and babies.

Part A
NU5093 Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Neonate 1 (10 credits)
NU5095 Supporting Mothers during Pregnancy and Parenthood (10 credits)
NU5057 Professionalism for Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
NU5058 Health Promotion for Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
NU5073 Evidence Based Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
SS5806 Social Policy and Midwifery Practice (5 credits)

Part B
NU5088 Midwifery Practice I (10 credits)
Year 2 (duration nine months) develops from this and challenges midwifery practice in a variety of settings.

Part A
NU5043 Ethics for Midwives (5 credits)
NU5059 Childbirth and the Neonate II (10 credits)
NU5096 Normal Childbirth: Issues and Debates (5 credits)
NU6005 Research Methods (10 credits)

Part B
NU5089 Midwifery Practice II (10 credits)
Fitness to Practise

This programme is subject to the University's Fitness to Practise Policy.

Applicants must be registered as a general nurse (RGN) with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
The HSE requires that applicants are required to have 6 months post registration experience as an RGN within the past 3 years, working a minimum of 78 hours per month. Verification will be required on application.
The application form and interview is competency based.

Recruitment is through the HSE National Recruitment Service. See https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs/job-search/nursing/midwifery/ for details.

Potential applicants are advised to check this website for application details and closing dates. The closing date for applications for 2022 and supporting documentation - view application link below.

Late applications will not be accepted.

The HSE requires that applicants are required to have 6 months post registration experience as an RGN within the past 3 years, working a minimum of 78 hours per month. Verification will be required on application. The application form and interview is competency based.

Assessment is through a variety of approaches including written assignments, class presentations and end-of-year examinations. Assessment of midwifery practice is a continuous process and includes the assessment of midwifery skills and competencies for practice.

18 Months Full-time

Start Date Next intake September 2019

Skills and Careers Information
Midwives are expected to be responsive to the changing needs of women and their families and therefore need an educational input that positively influences their practice and develops their sense of autonomy. This course sets out to achieve this while meeting and maintaining the professional and practice requirements for post-registration midwifery education. You will be prepared to be proactive as a midwife in effecting change that will benefit mothers and babies.