Midwifery

[suzi]

Hello all,

I am thinking about having a career change as I am bored with my current job and also I am maybe moving, anyhow to cut a long story short I am seriously considering going to uni and training to become a midwife. I was wondering if anyone has any knowledge of the area or could advise who to contact.

As far as I am aware my nystagmus shouldn't affect it as I can drive (don't particularly enjoy it but it can be done) and my nystagmus is not as severe as some. I am a bit on the clumsy side but my other half assures me no more than some people he knows and most people would put it down to just be naturally like that. Blood and gore doesn't bother me and my head shake and eye movement is only noticable when I am tired. I don't really have a huge issue with eye contact, nor with explaining what I have but I don't want to go through all the appilcation process to get to the interview to be told I can't as I have nystagmus!!

Any help would be much appreciated even if it is only ideas as to who I should contact,

suzi

[emmahallett]

i dunno if it any help but when i had my interview for my college course i was told a lot of people who do the course go on to be midwives...it is a BTEC level 3 diploma in children's care, learning and development. We have done a lot of stuff about antenatal development which would be needed for midwifery

[Sofie]

HellI don't want to go through all the appilcation process to get to the interview to be told I can't as I have nystagmus!!

Legally, they can't do this because of the disability discrimination act. (DDA) However, if your Nystagmus / vision is too poor and it would really affect your job and no adjustments can be made; this isn't discrimination.

[jill]

The training involves a great deal of reading as well as essay writing on top of working in an [almost] full time job. The shifts can be long and you would have to work days and nights in rotation. Some nights are so busy that you would be rushed off your feet for 11 or 12 hours without a break. If your nystagmus makes you extra tired them midwifery may not be a suitable career choice.