High school students, nursing graduates and health professionals are encouraged to pursue careers in midwifery under new projects run by the Office of the Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer (OCNMO).
Where can midwifery take you?
Queensland midwives took part in a series of videos to encourage others to join the rewarding profession. The Director of Midwifery, Dr Jocelyn Toohill, said it was an incredibly unique job that warranted a special approach in its promotion.
‘Midwives are legally recognised as a separate profession to nursing and we’re working with our university partners to make sure we have a constant stream of midwifery students coming through the system,’ Dr Toohill said.
‘They are an essential part of every family’s pregnancy journey. With a growing population, they are more important than ever.’
Consumers were also interviewed about their experience with midwives.
‘Their stories are heart-warming. I’m so thrilled we have been able to capture the profound impact their midwife had on them and the role they played in their journey,’ Dr Toohill said.
These videos explain the role of a midwife and what the continuity of carer model involves.
‘There are a lot of misconceptions about what a midwife does. We wanted to break it down and be clear about not only the broad scope of midwifery and the diversity it offers, but also the huge impact they have on families,’ Dr Toohill said.
‘The content is explained through the lens of a consumer or a midwife. This makes it a really compelling narrative. Hopefully it is compelling enough to encourage more people to consider a career in midwifery or opt for midwifery-led care.’
Queensland Health midwives can also benefit from the initiative. The Midwifery in Queensland website has links to useful resources and the new Midwives’ Hub.The Midwives’ Hub is a one-stop-shop for all things midwifery. The resources support clinical skill development, and improve personal wellbeing and resilience.
Dr Toohill and her team would like to thank the midwives who participated in the making of these resources:
- Christine Bowles, Logan Hospital
- Nigel Duncan, Logan Hospital
- Kaitlin Reid, Kindred Obstetrics and Midwifery
- Libby Ryan, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
- Di Tamariki, Gold Coast University Hospital
- The Mareeba Midwifery Group Practice
‘We would also like to thank the wonderful consumers featured in the videos and on the website. Their willingness to share such intimate and private moments with us in an effort to promote midwifery was touching. It’s something we will never forget.’
Visit the Midwifery in Queensland website, or email OCNMO_MidwiferyQLD@health.qld.gov.au, for more information.
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