Unfortunately due to the sensitive and personal nature of maternity / women’s services work experience opportunities in maternity at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust (which is Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Cheltenham General and Stroud Maternity Hospitals) are very limited.

As an alternative to work experience placements the Midwives host a ‘taster workshop’ in Spring and Autumn. Attendees have opportunity to speak to Midwives, look at the birthing equipment, and a birthing pool.

• Students interested in a career in midwifery and / or attending a Midwifery ‘taster workshop’ should discuss intentions with the school careers / work experience adviser or Head of Year and email   to book a place.

Further information and reading for students interested in a career in midwifery

Reading

• Get into Nursing & Midwifery: A guide to Application and Career Success by Sarah Snow
• Midwifery Journals: British Journal of Midwifery, Midwives, Practicing Midwives

 

Websites

• The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) - the governing body and regulates what nurses and midwives
• The Royal College of Midwives – a union for midwives
• NICE  (national institute for clinical excellence) - guidelines for practice
• MIDIRS – a midwifery evidence based practice forum
• National Screening Committee – antenatal and newborn screening programs
• Association for Radical Midwives – puts a different slant on the profession

 

Life skills

Students applying to University to study Midwifery will be expected to have both life and work experience options include:

• Volunteering – try to get exposure to new parents and babies
• Full or part time working to learn skills such as communication, customer service, listening, situational management which can be transferred to a professional role