Midwifery

If you think that a university course for midwifery is not the right course for you there are other available pathways that are more vocational to enhance your chances of entering the career! Some of these stages are being:

  • A healthcare assistant (HCA) plays a pivotal role within the healthcare sector. They provide essential support to medical professionals and ensure the wellbeing of patients. HCAs assist with a wide range of tasks such as:

    • Helping with personal care

    • Taking vital signs

    • Providing emotional support

    • Maintaining a clean and safe environment

    They are the cornerstone of healthcare, working in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and other healthcare settings, contributing to the overall patient experience and ensuring the smooth operation of the facility!

    Becoming a healthcare assistant, often begins with a Level 2 qualification and is an important first step on your journey into the world of nursing. If you're passionate about healthcare and aspire to make a meaningful difference, this role offers valuable experience and serves as a stepping stone towards a fulfilling nursing/midwifery career.

    You can find job opportunities on the official NHS website or on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, where healthcare organisations regularly post job listings for these positions. These platforms are excellent resources for exploring available positions and starting your rewarding journey into the field of healthcare assistance, setting the stage for your future in nursing/midwifery.

  • A maternity support worker plays a crucial role in maternity care, offering assistance to midwives and ensuring the well-being of pregnant individuals in various healthcare settings.

    To embark on a career as a maternity support worker, acquiring an NVQ2 qualification in healthcare, specifically as a maternity healthcare assistant, is essential. This qualification sets the foundation for progressing towards further opportunities in maternity care!

    Accumulating experience as a maternity support worker is a pivotal stride, providing you with essential skills and enhancing your prospects for admission into relevant healthcare programmes. If you are enthusiastic about commencing this fulfilling journey, exploring maternity support worker positions on platforms like the NHS website can be the initial stride towards contributing to maternity care.

  • Upon completion of your training as maternity support worker and acquiring sufficient experience, you'll be eligible to apply for midwifery programmes at university level. This marks a significant milestone in your career, as it allows you to build on the skills you've developed as a nursing maternity support worker and further your education in midwife!

How do I apply?

  1. Research healthcare facilities in your local area, such as:

    • Hospitals

    • Clinics

    This can help you identify potential opportunities!

  2. Next, focus on preparing a well-crafted resume that highlights relevant skills such as

    • Effective

    • Communication

    • Empathy

    • Strong work ethic

    If you've taken any health-related courses in school, be sure to include them!

  3. Reach out directly to these facilities and express your interest in any entry-level positions, apprenticeships, or trainee programs that may be available for young candidates. Make sure to emphasise your genuine enthusiasm for the healthcare field and your eagerness to learn and contribute as a healthcare assistant.

  4. By demonstrating your passion, along with a polished resume and proactive outreach, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a valuable healthcare assistant position and starting a rewarding career in the healthcare sector.

How to make the most of your employment?

To excel as a healthcare or a maternity support worker:

  1. Stay Curious: Keep learning, attend workshops, and seek guidance.

  2. Effective Communication: Listen, ask, and empathise with patients and colleagues.

  3. Proactive Attitude: Anticipate needs, assist, and show dedication.

  4. Professionalism: Adhere to ethics, confidentiality, and maintain a positive attitude.

  5. Stay Organized: Prioritise, manage time, and handle tasks efficiently.

  6. Empathy and Respect: Treat patients with care, make them feel valued.

  7. Build Relationships: Foster a supportive work environment.

  8. Seek Feedback: Embrace constructive criticism for growth.

By embodying these qualities, you'll contribute to the healthcare field while enhancing your own professional development.

Apprenticeships

You may want to work and get direct training as opposed to doing university based learning and if that is the case a degree apprenticeship may be the right choice for you. You will be working and earning a wage while studying so you receive your degree while being in full time work. This provides advantages such as not having to be in student debt, having a wage, hands on experience from day one but also has some disadvantages such as not being able to experience ‘uni life’.

  • Midwifery Apprenticeship

  • NHS Jobs

  • Look on the government apprenticeship

  • Use LinkedIn to form connections and find employers that may want to hire or prove apprenticeships