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.
