Where to work as a Midwife – home or abroad

 

I remember qualifying as a midwife, the school of nursing and midwifery gave me a special badge to show that I had qualified!

The first thing that sprung to mind was “I can get a job anywhere in the world”.

The choice to work anywhere in the world

There was a sense of freedom about the choices that might be available and where I could live and work around the world with my new profession.

In reality I got a job at the trust that I had trained in and have stayed there ever since, this wasn’t a bad move. Each hospital will have many opportunities including working in the community, labour ward, screening, postnatal and birth centres; all of which I have tried until I have found my final favourite role within a birth centre.


I am still a bit envious of those that have looked further afield and gone to work in Dubai, Australia, New Zealand and it is nice to know that if I wanted to go elsewhere being a UK trained midwife is transferrable to many countries.


If you don’t fancy travelling there are other options

Depending on what happens during your career there are also many other ways to branch out including volunteering abroad, teaching midwifery or equally becoming a midwife lecturer.

I think although a cliché, as a midwife the world really is your oyster and whether that going to a different trust when you qualify or heading abroad to experience a different life, there is peace of mind to know that there will always be a need for midwives and your skills will always sought after.

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Emily Seddon

Emily is a midwife with many years of experience. She is passionate about supporting midwives of the future. As a clinical mentor, student link and being on university interview panels, she knows what it takes to get a place!

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2 Comments

  1. Hello I have just noticed this post! I qualified as a midwife in October and am looking to spread my wings around the world. However when I am looking online for jobs I am unsure of credible websites to browse job opportunities and wondered whether you had any knowledge of any? I would appreciate any help. I am wishing to finish my preceptorship in my home trust prior to moving and am aware that many jobs require experience however I am wanting to research prior to applying.

    1. Congratulations in qualifying. Being able to travel the world is such a bonus to being a midwife and lots of my colleagues have decided to travel after their preceptorship, many taking a career break so that they have a job to come back to, if they want to come home again.

      You are right, most jobs abroad will want you to have at least one years experience, sometimes two. Depending where you apply, such as Doha and Dubai will want labour ward experience.

      There are many reputable websites that you can look at. I would start with:

      https://jobs.midwives.co.uk (although not many posted at present this is a good start) I would then look at the countries that really interest you, for instance if you wanted to go to Canada I would look at http://canadianmidwives.org/job-opportunities/

      By looking at specific country requirements you will be able to see what experience you would need.

      Most people look at agencies that do expo’s in London, recruitment days and they will often help with visa, accommodation and relocating.

      Another website is: https://www.learn4good.com/jobs/midwifery/

      I would explore with forums of midwives that work abroad to see where appeals to you.

      Its an exciting time and we are happy to assist with your CV and personal statement to make it appeal to international employers.

      Good luck!

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