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Midwife
Midwives are nurses who specialize in the care of maternity patients and the delivery of babies.
In the past, midwives worked largely under the supervision of gynaecologists, but the country's shortage of qualified medical personnel has resulted in a move towards greater independence and authority in the case of healthy pregnancies and problem-free deliveries. Midwives refer patients to gynaecologists when problems in pregnancy are diagnosed. If complications arise during delivery, midwives have to administer stipulated emergency measures and arrange for immediate attention by a gynaecologist.
Midwives examine patients during pregnancy and advise them in respect of diet and health practices. They might conduct initial examinations of maternity patients who have just been admitted into a maternity ward. They stay with patients during labour to reassure them and administer medication. They assist with the delivery of babies and conduct postpartum examinations and are involved in the general treatment of mothers and babies.
Midwives call on mothers after delivery to conduct examinations and instruct them on how to care for themselves and their new babies.
Satisfying Aspects
- the wonder of helping bring new life into the world
- helping new mothers
- being part of the medical profession
- working with people
Demanding aspects
- working irregular hours
- being on your feet for long periods
- doing routine duties
- dealing with rude and over-demanding patients
- working under pressure
Requirements
A midwife should:
- have patience and tact;
- have common sense and be able to make practical decisions quickly;
- be responsible and inspire confidence;
- be dedicated;
- have a sense of humour;
- have a positive attitude;
- motivate and relax mothers-to-be facing labour;
- be able to work comfortably with different personalities who are under stress;
- possess the mental stamina to cope with the responsibility of having to make "life-and-death" decisions from time to time;
- prepared to undergo a selection procedure to become a student nurse
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences (for degree course)
Recommended Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences
Training
To qualify as a midwife, one must obtain basic nursing training, as well as an advanced diploma in Midwifery. Nursing training can be undertaken at UKZN, Wits, NWU, UJ, US, UL, UWC, UCT, UZ, UV, UNISA. Midwifery is available at UCT and UNISA. Nursing is also offered at CPUT, TUT and Community Nursing at VUT.
Nursing College: training is practical and theoretical. Training at the nursing college is done in collaboration with a university. Clinical or practical training is done at accredited training hospitals. The duration of the course is 4 years.
Advanced Training: qualified nurses may study further in specialised fields such as Paediatric Nursing Science, Midwifery, Orthopaedic Nursing Science, Intensive Care Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Geriatric Nursing Science, etc.
Qualified nurses and midwives have to register with the South African Nursing Council.
Employer
- State and private hospitals
- Clinics and nursing homes
- Private practice as nurse specialising in midwifery
Contact
The South African Nursing Council (SANC)
P O Box 1123
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 420-1000
Fax: (012) 343-5400
E-mail: registrar@sanc.co.za
www.sanc.co.za
Democratic Nursing Organization of SA
P O Box 1280
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: (012) 343-2315/6/7
Fax: (012) 344-0750
www.denosa.org.za