Graduate, refresher, upskilling and post-graduate programs
Details of the following programs may be obtained by contacting the Department of Nursing and Midwifery Education and Research.
In addition, programs to meet specific needs may be negotiated through the department.
An accredited midwifery registration bridging course will not be offered at KEMH.
Programs currently available:
Midwifery up skilling program
Purpose
The program is designed to assist public hospitals to provide confident midwifery staff. The aim of the program is to assist the midwife to update and expand his / her knowledge and skills in identified areas of midwifery practice to benefit both the employing health service and the midwife.
Who is eligible?
Midwives who are currently registered with NMBA and who demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the recency of practice and continuing professional development standards. The applicant needs to have current employment in a WA Department of Health maternity service as a midwife, and written support of his / her employer with an identified need for the organization and the individual.
About the program
The program provides opportunity to expand knowledge and skills in identified areas of midwifery practice.
Duration and preparation
The midwife is offered the opportunity to attend KEMH for two weeks full-time clinical practice. Preparation may include completion of selected self-directed learning.
Availability
KEMH may be able to support up to four midwives (not concurrently) per year for two weeks each.
Applications
Email expression of interest to the Midwifery Educator, Return to Practice Programs. A completed application with appropriate support by their health service manager with an identified need for both parties is essential. The application must be received at least 3 months prior to proposed date of attendance. This will then be considered on merit but is not a confirmation of place.
Pre-requisites
- Demonstrated attendance at mandatory education in the previous 12 months.
- Working with children check, police and health clearance.
Fees
KEMH does not charge for this service; however the referring health service and the applicant are responsible for any financial, travel or accommodation expenses incurred. Participants undertaking the program are required to be indemnified by their own public health service via RiskCover. They must work within relevant legislation, organisational polices and guidelines and under the supervision of a midwife preceptor.
Contact us
Midwifery Educator, Return to Practice Programs
Department of Nursing and Midwifery Education and Research
Tel: (08) 6458 3023
Fax: (08) 6458 1590
Email: kemh.dnamer@health.wa.gov.au
Midwifery Refresher Pathway - Not available and currently under review 2021
Purpose
The purpose of the WA Health Refresher Pathway Connect (RPC) is to support midwives who wish to return to work across the continuum of midwifery practice in the hospital setting, in a paid employment-education model. The midwifery refresher pathway is available to midwives who have been out of clinical midwifery practice in a hospital setting for no more than five years.
Who is eligible?
Midwives who are currently registered with Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) (external site) and who can demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the recency of practice and continuing professional development standards to regain employment in midwifery.
About the program
The program is designed to provide the opportunity to refresh midwifery skills in a supportive environment, enabling a smooth transition back into a clinical midwifery setting with confidence and competence.
Duration and content
Participants must successfully complete:
- selection and interview process
- Nine online eLearning modules to be completed prior to commencing the fixed term clinical contract. This theoretical component takes up to six weeks to complete
- three month fixed-term contract of employment in a clinical maternity setting at 0.6 to 1.0 FTE.
Availability
Health sites recruit via Refresher Pathway Connect biannually. Applications open in February and August each year. The applicant selection and appointment process is based on merit as per WA public sector standards for recruitment and selection. Visit the Refresher pathways – nursing and midwifery (external site) webpage regularly for updates about the Refresher Pathway opportunities.
Application process
Visit the Refresher pathways – nursing and midwifery (external site) webpage for updates on opportunities, or register your interest via the Refresher Pathway Connect register (external site) to receive an email advising when applications will open.
Fees
Online study modules are fully funded by the Nursing and Midwifery Office. Online course fees are free for Refresher Pathway participants who successfully complete all theoretical and clinical assessment components.
Graduate Midwife Program
Purpose
The purpose of the Graduate Midwife Program (GMP) is to facilitate the transition of beginning level Midwifery practitioners into the workforce. Graduates gain exposure to a variety of clinical settings in a supportive environment, while consolidating theoretical learning, critical clinical skills and judgement. The program aims to:
- promote personal and professional development,
- consolidate and develop clinical midwifery skills and theoretical knowledge,
- enhance professional responsibility and accountability for practice,
- encourage critical inquiry in clinical practice, and
- promote the development of collegial networks with midwifery colleagues, health professionals and the community.
Who is eligible?
Open to midwives within their first year of practice who are eligible for registration as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA).
About the program
The program is designed for midwives in their first year of practice and consists of a 12 month pre-arranged clinical rotation, with paid study days, regular tutorials and clinical support including a mentorship program. Elective clinical placements include:
- Midwifery Group Practice
- Visiting Midwifery Service
- Mother and Baby Unit
- Special Care Nursery
- Emergency Centre
- Dual Degree graduate placement
- Osborne Park Hospital
- WA Country Health Service
View the elective clinical placements (PDF)
Availability
Recruitment into the program occurs twice a year.
| Program start | February | September |
| Recruitment | July (of previous year to start date) | March |
Applications
Applications for graduate positions (nursing and midwifery) at KEMH are accepted through the WA Health GradConnect portal (external site).
Graduate Nurse Program
Purpose
From August 2021 Women and Newborn Health Service (King Edward Memorial Hospital) will be offering a new Graduate Nurse Program that will provide newly graduated nurses with the opportunity to work in the perioperative services including operating theatre and the post anaesthetic care unit.
On completion of the Graduate Nurse Program there may be an opportunity to apply for an on-going position at KEMH.
Who is eligible?
Registered nurses who are within their first year of practice and who are currently registered with Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
About the program
The Graduate Nurse Program is a 12 month program which includes:
- rotations through the operating theatres and the post anaesthetic care unit
- rotations may include exposure to urogynaecological surgery, major gynaecological oncology surgery, laparoscopic gynaecological surgery and general / emergency obstetric surgery
- places available from August 2021 then February and August each year
- five paid study days - to enhance role development, reflective practice and clinical knowledge
- monthly seminars for peer support, clinical and professional development
- supernumerary clinical days at commencement in each area
- support from a selected preceptor in each area
- clinical support from the staff development nurse.
Applications
Recruitment for most graduate nurse programs at public hospitals in Western Australia occurs once per year. Graduates apply through the WA Health graduate nurse connect portal and indicate their preferred hospitals.
Graduate Mental Health Nurse Program
Purpose
The Graduate Mental Health Nurse Program is run in partnership with Edith Cowan University. This program will give newly graduated nurses the opportunity to gain experience at KEMH Mother and Baby unit and a regional program. Graduate nurses who complete the program can expect to enhance their confidence and competence as mental health nurses with well documented performance evaluations.
Who is eligible?
Registered Nurses who are within their first year of practice and who are currently registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.
About the program
The Mental Health Graduate Nurse Program is a 52 week full-time contract consisting of:
- six months with KEMH Mother and Baby Unit and six months with WACHS
- formal study days through Edith Cowan University
- supernumerary days in the clinical area
- rotational nursing roster (may include day, afternoon and nights)
- support from experienced mental health nurses and Instructors.
Applications
Applications for graduate positions at KEMH are accepted through the WA Health GradConnect portal (external site).
Contact us
Nurse Manager, Mother and Baby Unit on (08) 6458 1799.