The role of Nurse and the role of Midwife are perhaps some of the most fulfilling and exciting (certainly when it comes to bringing new life into the world!) careers in healthcare. Across both roles, you need a similar skillset: brilliant communication, nurturing, advocacy, patience, understanding and calmness, to name but a few important qualities.
But is there a way to progress into midwifery if you are already a Nurse? The short answer is yes.
We’ve written a short blog that we hope will offer useful advice on how to begin your midwifery career in the UK if you are currently a qualified nurse, living overseas or already here in the UK.
There are a few different routes to becoming a nurse. The main option is a degree course at university (entry requirements will vary depending on your study preferences and location) or by doing a nursing apprenticeship – both need to be recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). If you're overseas wanting to relocate to the UK, you'll also need to complete your IELTS / OET if you live in a non-English speaking country.
The main difference between Nurses and Midwives is that Midwives need a degree in midwifery – which takes three years to complete, and they require extensive knowledge about labour and delivery of babies. Nurses will need to have a degree in nursing – again, three years long – and have more of a general knowledge of patient care, working in a variety of different departments.
Yes, you can. If you are already a Registered Adult Nurse, you can undertake additional training to qualify as a Midwife in the UK, which usually takes 18 months – two years to complete.
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