Getting ready for your first midwifery job

Getting ready to start your midwifery career 

Congratulations on securing your first midwifery position. Starting your career as a registered midwife is an exciting milestone, but it's natural to feel a mix of anticipation and nerves about this new chapter. 

This guide will help you prepare for your first role, understand what support is available, and set yourself up for success. 

Induction 

When you start in a new job in health care, you should be offered an induction. This is an orientation and introduction to the workplace where you'll be informed of specific policies and procedures you need to follow. You should expect to be introduced to the team, learn more about the job, and be given time to settle in. 

This is different from 'preceptorship', which is structured support specifically designed to help you transition to your first qualified clinical role. 

Preceptorship programmes 

We recognise that being an autonomous qualified midwife is quite different from being a student under direct supervision. Preceptorship provides ongoing, targeted support during this transition period to help you develop confidence and competence in your new role as a qualified midwife.  

Most NHS maternity services offer preceptorship programmes specifically designed for newly qualified midwives, following the National Preceptorship Framework. These programmes recognise that transitioning from student to qualified practitioner is a significant step that requires structured support and are designed to national standards to ensure consistency across the NHS. 

What preceptorship provides 

Structured support in your first year  

A planned programme that helps you develop confidence and competence in midwifery practice with clear goals and regular reviews. 

Additional training in complex scenarios  

Enhanced preparation for complex birth situations, emergency procedures, and high-risk pregnancy care beyond your basic qualification. 

Experienced midwife mentors  

Regular one-to-one meetings with senior midwives who provide guidance, support, and feedback on your professional development. 

Gradual increase in responsibility  

A planned progression that gradually increases your caseload and develops your confidence and competence. 

Protected learning time  

Dedicated time for reflection, study, and additional training to support your transition to qualified practice. 

Making the most of preceptorship 

Be proactive  

Take ownership of your learning and actively seek feedback from mentors and colleagues. 

Ask questions  

Don't hesitate to ask for clarification or support when you're unsure about anything in your practice. 

Reflect on your experiences  

Keep a learning journal to track your development and identify areas for further growth. 

Set clear goals  

Work with your preceptor to set specific, achievable objectives for your first year of practice. 

Building your professional network 

Creating connections with other midwives and healthcare professionals is crucial for your career development and ongoing support. 

Professional memberships 

Royal College of Midwives 

Join the RCM for career and trade union support, professional development opportunities, and access to the latest evidence-based guidance. 

Specialist interest groups  

Connect with midwives who share your interests in specific areas of practice. 

Trade union membership  

Consider union membership for professional indemnity (also provided by employers), career support, and workplace representation. 

Digital networking 

Student peer support groups  

Set up or join social media groups to stay connected with fellow graduates. Remember to follow professional guidance about social media use. 

Professional online communities  

Join platforms like NHS Futures and search for appropriate workspaces to collaborate and connect with midwives across different organisations and specialties.  

NHS communications  

Sign up for the Chief Midwifery Officer Bulletin to stay informed about national developments in midwifery and maternity care as well as follow DHSC and NHS social media accounts. 

Local networking 

Staff networks  

Participate in local midwifery networks, professional forums, and special interest groups. 

Multidisciplinary learning  

Engage with wider healthcare teams to understand how midwifery fits within the broader healthcare system. 

Mentorship opportunities  

Both seek mentors and consider how you might support future students as you gain experience. 

Resources and ongoing support 

Professional support services 

University careers services  

Many universities offer ongoing career support for graduates, including job search assistance and professional development guidance. 

Employee assistance programmes  

Most NHS organisations offer confidential support services for staff wellbeing and career guidance. 

Support available for NHS staff 

We know working in the NHS can be stressful. Looking after yourself helps you provide better patient care and get through your studies. Your wellbeing matters. The NHS has a range of support available to help you throughout your NHS career: 

• 24/7 Text Support – Text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential support anytime
• free NHS Self-Check Tool – Find the right support option for your situation
• additional support – We offer a range of health and wellbeing resources tailored to different needs

National Guardian's Office 

The National Guardian's Office supports healthcare workers across the NHS and independent sectors in speaking up about patient safety and quality concerns. They provide guidance on raising concerns professionally and accessing support when needed. 

Learning resources 

Online learning platforms 

Use reputable websites and professional platforms for continuing education and career development like the NHS Learning Hub.  

Library services  

Access NHS library services and university resources to stay current with research and best practice. 

Conference and study days  

Attend local and national midwifery conferences to learn and network with other professionals. 

Peer support networks 

Newly qualified groups  

Connect with other newly qualified midwives in your trust and neighbouring organisations. 

Practice-based learning sets  

Join or establish learning groups focused on specific aspects of midwifery practice. 

Supervision groups  

Participate in clinical supervision and group reflection sessions to support your professional development. 

Embracing your new role 

Managing expectations 

Be patient with yourself  

Remember that becoming confident in your practice takes time, and every qualified midwife has been where you are now. 

Focus on continuous learning  

Approach each day as an opportunity to learn something new and develop your skills further. 

Celebrate achievements 

Acknowledge your successes, both big and small, as you support women through their pregnancy and birth experiences. 

Building confidence 

Trust your achievements 

You have successfully completed a rigorous midwifery programme and have the foundation skills needed for safe practice. 

Seek support when needed  

Using available support systems shows professional maturity, not weakness. 

Develop your own style  

While learning from experienced colleagues, begin to develop your own approach to woman-centred care. 

Looking ahead 

Your first midwifery job marks the beginning of a rewarding career supporting women and families through one of the most significant experiences of their lives. The skills, knowledge, and passion you bring as a newly qualified midwife are valuable contributions to maternity care. 

Whether you see your future in advanced midwifery practice, health visiting, education, research, or specialised clinical roles, your midwifery foundation provides an excellent base for diverse career opportunities. Every woman you support, every birth you attend, and every family you care for will shape you as a midwife and contribute to your professional growth. 

Many experienced midwives find great fulfilment in passing on their knowledge and skills to future generations through education roles, combining their passion for midwifery with the reward of nurturing new practitioners entering the profession. 

Continue Your Midwifery Journey – Explore ongoing professional development opportunities and career progression pathways as you establish yourself in midwifery practice.