Midwifery gets a boost in country WA thanks to paid student program

The first cohort of newly qualified midwives under the Paid Student Midwifery Model Pilot are delivering services (and babies) in maternity units across regional WA.

Throughout the program, WA Country Health Service (WACHS) nurses stay in their existing workplace while upskilling to care for expectant women and newborns.

Eligible country nurses are supported to complete the 18-month postgraduate program with flexible working arrangements, fully funded course fees, access to clinical facilitators and travel to the metropolitan area for study weeks.

Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery Services Maria Flynn said the program was proving highly successful in upskilling nurses in regional WA.

“The Paid Student Midwifery Model Pilot is a fantastic initiative and its giving some of our country nurses the opportunity to extend themselves and further their careers.”

One of the initial intake group of 17, Geraldton-based Registered Midwife Sarinah Abdullah said the program had helped her to achieve a personal goal.

“I went the long route by doing enrolled nursing and then registered nursing, but my goal was always to become a midwife.

“It has been a passion of mine since having my first child at 18.”

Ms Abdullah said that being in the pilot program had been an overwhelmingly positive experience.

“Being able to develop hands-on skills along with having study days in the comfort of my own home allowed me to achieve my dream.”

Importantly, participants are ably supported by staff at their home site.

“I have the best colleagues and they have been nothing but supportive,” Ms Abdullah said.