The Mater offers the Graduate Diploma of Midwifery to registered nurses. Within this post-graduate program you will study professional, socio-political and ethico-legal issues related to childbirth and the family unit. You will also have the opportunity to work in a supportive midwifery setting with experienced and dedicated midwives who are committed to the education of students.

The program involves:

• Orientation to the hospital
• 14 months full time study and clinical practice
• 4 clinical days per week
• 1 university day per week
• Support from educators, preceptors and clinical nurse specialists

Areas of Speciality:

• 6 delivery suites
• 38 Bed Postnatal/Antenatal Ward
• Level 2 Special Care Nursery
• Antenatal Clinics with VMOs
• Community visits with discharge planner

Entry Requirements

Applicants should have an undergraduate degree in nursing or an equivalent tertiary qualification. Registered nurses wishing to become midwives are required to complete both a recognised university course in midwifery and be employed as a midwifery student in a maternity service to gain the necessary clinical experience.

What do past graduates say about the program?

• Really enjoying the placement at the Mater, learning lots and looking forward to spending more time in delivery suite
• I feel that I have developed my midwifery skills greatly over the last 12 months. I will continue to learn as I gain more experience.
• Gaining confidence in all areas and learning to apply the theory into practice
• I really enjoyed the program and felt well supported at the hospital
• I feel comfortable in my role as a student midwife and realise the benefits of watching the other midwives and learning from them. I am glad I am doing ‘Middy’ and feel lucky to be at the Mater
• Enjoyed the course and learnt a lot
• I have thoroughly enjoyed myself these past few months. At times it has been frustrating as it feels completely different to nursing
• Really enjoyed the transition from RN to midwife. Very grateful for the wonderful support the midwives, educators and Uni staff gave me.

Applications

All applications for postgraduate midwifery students at the Mater Hospital, commencing in 2011, will be processed online through NSW Health. Applicants choose their preferred hospital for training and will be interviewed by their chosen hospital.

Applications open online on the NSW Health website on Monday 5th July at 9am, and close on Monday 16th August 2010 at 9am. Applicants will be required to provide a CV and letter addressing the selection criteria, as part of their application.

For more information about the new process go to the NSW Health Nursing Employment site.

Interested in Midwifery at The Mater???

For more information on the postgraduate program contact the Maternity Educator on (02) 9900 7300 pager 8661 or email maternity.education@matersydney.com.au.

Other Benefits:

• Salary packaging to enhance your take home pay
• Employee assistance program for confidential, one-to-one guidance
• Security officer is on duty from 6pm to 6am every day and is available to escort staff on and off the premises if required

Convenient Location

The Mater Hospital is conveniently located less than two kilometers from the city and between the restaurants of Crows Nest and the business centre of North Sydney.

Friendly and supportive team

We have a very friendly and supportive team of senior staff and clinical educators that welcome enthusiastic nurses who are interested in becoming midwives. Upon completion of the course you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Nurses and Midwives Board of NSW (or national equivalent) to practice as a midwife.