Additional Campaign Information
HSE Sponsorship Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme 2015
National Recruitment Service
Email: apply.midwifery@hse.ie
ADDITIONAL CAMPAIGN INFORMATION
HSE (2015 intake) SPONSORSHIP STUDENT MIDWIFE RECRUITMENT SCHEME
Higher Diploma in Midwifery
REF: NRS1335
N.B: THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 5.00pm FRIDAY 12th SEPTEMBER 2014
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career with the HSE.
This is some additional important information regarding this campaign. We strongly recommend that you read this
document before applying for this campaign.
In this document we lay out the regulations by which the campaign will run. It outlines what we require from you; in
what format we require it; what will happen after the interview process and how panels will be managed.
This is to ensure that we have the same information from all candidates and that candidates are treated in the
same manner.
1. CAMPAIGN TIME SCALES
Closing dates for HSE (2015 intake) Sponsorship Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme, Higher Diploma in
Midwifery are as follows:
 Closing date for receipt of completed application form is 5:00pm Friday 12th September 2014

Closing date for receipt of all supporting documentation* is 5:00pm Friday 12th September 2014
This means applications received after 5:00pm Friday 12th September 2014 and supporting documentation*
received after 5.00pm Friday 12th September 2014 will NOT be accepted.
*Supporting Documentation
a) Verification of 6 months post registration experience as an RGN: within the past 5 years (by the closing
date of application i.e. 5:00pm 12th September 2014) working a minimum of 74 hours per month. Please
ensure that your current or former employer signs and stamps your ‘’Verification of Experience Form’’.
This form verifies the post registration experience as a RGN claimed by you in your application. The
verification form may be downloaded from www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs and can be returned by scanning and
emailing it to apply.midwifery@hse.ie to arrive no later than 5.00pm Friday 12th September 2014 OR by
posting it to Emma Hanway, HSE, National Recruitment Service, 20-23 Merchant’s Quay, Dublin 8 to arrive
no later than 5.00p.m. Friday 12th September 2014
NB: Please note candidates who are unable to have the verification form completed should contact NRS
immediately at 01 8817054 in order to discuss alternative methods of verification of the required post registration
experience. Please note that the 6 months experience eligibility requirement must be verified and received by NRS
by 5:00pm 12th September 2014. Therefore, please allow sufficient time for submission of the documents.
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HSE Sponsorship Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme 2015
*Supporting Documentation
b) Award Parchment and transcripts for qualification in general nursing: Please forward by scanning and
emailing these documents to apply.midwifery@hse.ie OR by posting to Emma Hanway, HSE, National
Recruitment Services, 20-23 Merchant’s Quay, Dublin 8, to arrive no later than 5.00p.m. Friday 12th
September 2014
2. HOW TO APPLY?
You must use the “Application Form” particular to this post, either download it as a word document from
www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs and type in your details which you can email to: apply.midwifery@hse.ie or print off
and complete and return by post to: Emma Hanway, National Recruitment Services, Health Business Services,
20-23 Merchants Quay, Dublin 8 to arrive no later than 5.00p.m. Friday 12th September 2014

There is no need to sign e-mailed applications; we will request candidates to sign their application form
if called for interview.

If you submit more than one application, we will accept the last one received prior to the closing date
and time of 5.00p.m. Friday 12th September 2014

We will not be able to process applications by CV or any other method.

Applications stored on personal online storage sites, e.g.; SKYDRIVE, CLOUD, etc. will not be
accepted.
NB:
a) Please ensure that you fully complete the qualifications and & eligibility criteria section & the knowledge &
experience relevant to the role section on the “Application Form”. Please note that if you omit information in these
sections pertinent to the eligibility criteria, you may be deemed ineligible and subsequently not called forward to
interview.
b) This is a competency based application form. In order for your application to be considered, the supplementary
questions section of the application form, i.e. the competency based questions, must be fully completed. If you do
not complete all questions, we will be unable to process your application further.
c) As part of the application process, you are required to submit verification of your 6 month’s post registration
experience as an RGN within the last 5 years i.e. from 12th September 2009 up to 12th September 2014. This
verification forms part of your application and must be submitted to NRS to arrive no later than 5.00p.m. Friday
12th September 2014.
E-mail applications will receive an automated response within 24 hours, which will let you know that we have
received your e-mail. This email serves as an acknowledgement only and is not an admission that we have
received a completed application from you. Candidates please note the National Recruitment Service checks
eligibility after the closing date and time for the receipt of applications. This is due to the high volume of
applications. The National Recruitment Services can only accept applications received by the closing date and
time i.e. 5:00pm Friday 12th September 2014. No applications received after this time & date will be accepted. This
means that if your application is blank; you have sent the wrong version of your application form; have not
completed all your competency questions; have no internet access etc. or have not attached the required
supporting documentation, your application will not be processed further.
N.B: Please note that the National Recruitment Service will mainly contact you by mobile phone and/or email.
Some communications may be sent by post. Therefore, it is most important that both your mobile telephone
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HSE Sponsorship Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme 2015
number and email address are included in your application as well as a postal address. It is your responsibility to
ensure you have access to your mobile voice mails, text messages and emails. This means that if you choose to
use your work mobile and email addresses you may miss communications that have a time deadline requirement
while working away or on leave.
Who should apply?
Applicants who:

Are registered in the General Division of the Register of Nurses maintained by the Nursing & Midwifery
Board of Ireland or entitled to be so registered

Have a minimum of 6 months post registration experience as an RGN, within the past 5 years (by the
closing date of application, i.e. 5:00pm 12th September 2014), working a minimum of 74 hours per
month.
Who cannot apply?
Persons who are currently in receipt of a pension from any of the following superannuation schemes:

Local Government Superannuation Scheme (LGSS)

HSE Employee Superannuation Scheme

Voluntary Hospital's Superannuation Scheme (VHSS) (Officers or Non Officers Schemes)

Nominated Health Agencies Superannuation Scheme (NHASS)
(Please see “Appendix 2” for further information)
Applications received from candidates who fall under the above categories (see who cannot apply?”) will not be
processed further in the selection process; this means that you will not be invited to interview.
3. SPONSORSHIP
Where are the sponsorship training places located and how many places are available?
Cork University Maternity Hospital/ University College Cork (CUMH/UCC)
32 Places
University Hospital Galway/National University of Ireland, Galway (UHG/NUIG)
17 Places
Mid West Regional Maternity Hospital/University of Limerick (MWRH/UL)
18 Places
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda/Dundalk Institute of Technology (OLOL/DKIT)
15 Places
Will I get a sponsorship place through this campaign?
The allocation of places is based on:

Your placement, by order of merit, on the panel.

Your Maternity Site/HEI Choice

Availability of advertised sponsored places.
a) What happens at the end of my sponsorship?

Upon successful completion of the Course the Student will be eligible for registration as a midwife
with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland.
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Additional Campaign Information
HSE Sponsorship Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme 2015
The HSE Maternity Sites will offer sponsorship for the duration of the training programme. Successful
candidates must commit to an 18 month programme, including college attendance and clinical placements
in the sponsoring HSE maternity hospital and must commit to a 12 month, full-time service commitment to
their HSE Maternity site, if available and offered by the sponsoring agency. N.B: However, please note that
the availability of the service commitment is subject to employment controls.
The Student will give an undertaking to their sponsoring public health service agency that he/she will
immediately, upon successful completion of the Course, fulfil the terms of their service commitment of 12
months, if offered. However, the requirement to honour the service commitment may be waived by the
sponsoring agency if it deems it is not in a position to thereafter recruit suitably qualified midwives. A
sponsored employee who fails to honour their contractual undertaking to work as a nurse / midwife for their
sponsoring agency (or agreed Irish alternative public health service agency) if offered the service
commitment, shall be required to repay to that sponsoring agency their fees and in the case of fulltime
courses, the value of the salary received by them during the theory element of the programme. Any
repayment due will be adjusted on a pro rata basis for any period of service commitment honoured, if
applicable.
4. WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS?

Candidates must apply by completing the Application Form particular to this post, either download it as a
word document from www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs/ and type in your details then you can email to
apply.midwifery@hse.ie OR print it and fill in by hand and return by post to: Emma Hanway, National
Recruitment Services, Health Business Services, 20-23 Merchants Quay, Dublin 8 to arrive no later than
5:00pm Friday 12th September 2014.

Candidates who apply must be suitably qualified (see above “. Who Should Apply?”). Candidates should
pay due attention to the “Qualifications and Eligibility Criteria” section of their application form with regard
to demonstrating their eligibility. Candidates who do not provide sufficient evidence of their eligibility will
not be processed onto shortlisting (if applicable) and interview. Candidates are required to submit
verification of their post registration experience as an RGN. If this verification is not received by 5:00pm
Friday 12th September 2014 your application will not be processed further.

Candidates must complete the “Supplementary Questions Section”, i.e. “Competency Based Questions” of
the application form. Those applicants who do not fully complete the “Competency Based Questions”
section of the application form will not be processed onto short listing (if applicable) and interview.

A shortlisting exercise may apply based on the information you provide in your application form. This
means that a shortlisting board comprised of Directors/ Assistant Directors of Midwifery will shortlist
applicants based on information put forward in the application form. Please note the criteria for shortlisting
is based on the requirements of the post as outlined in the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or
knowledge of the role, sections of this job specification. Therefore, it is very important that you think about
your experience in light of those requirements. Failure to include information regarding these requirements
may result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.
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HSE Sponsorship Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme 2015
5. INTERVIEWS
It is anticipated that interviews will be held week commencing 13th October 2014 in Dublin.
Candidates residing in Ireland:
Interviews will be held centrally in Dublin. Candidates must be available to present for interview in Dublin in person.
Interviews will be held on the dates specified by the National Recruitment Service and no subsequent or alternative
interview dates will be offered to candidates.
Candidates residing outside of Ireland:
Skype interviews will be arranged for eligible candidates who at the time of the scheduled interview, reside outside
of Ireland. Candidates will be requested to submit documentary evidence of their residency outside of Ireland.
Please note that his facility will not be available to those who would ordinarily reside in Ireland but may be abroad
on holidays or otherwise, at the time of the scheduled interviews. If deemed eligible and due an interview, the NRS
will at that stage provide the relevant candidates with further information regarding the Skype facility.
Candidates who do not confirm their interview attendance prior to the date and time supplied in the invitation to
interview will have their slot cancelled.
You will also be required to produce the following documentation upon arrival for your interview. Candidates who
do not provide the required documentation listed below will not be afforded an interview.

Form of recent photographic identification i.e. drivers licence, passport or student/ HSE Work I.D. This
identification will be checked and returned to you on the day of interview.

Garda Vetting Form - you will also be required to complete a Garda vetting form which will be enclosed in
your invitation to interview letter. You will be required to fully complete this form and return it to the
National Recruitment Services. All candidates must complete the Garda vetting form. This includes current
HSE employees. We strongly recommend, to avoid delays on the day of interview, that you complete your
form in advance of your interview as per the instructions enclosed with your form.
6. FORMATION OF PANEL
What is a panel?

A panel is a list of candidates successful at interview placed in order of merit. Candidates are awarded a
mark during the interview process and the candidate who scores the highest mark is placed first on the
panel.
a) Marking System
Candidates are given marks for skill areas during the interview. These elements are clearly indicated in the
“Application Form” and “Competency Based Questions”. Where two or more candidates score the same
marks and are interested in the same LHO Area and HEI a further ranking process will apply. A previously
agreed skill area of the interview will be chosen to further rank successful candidates e.g. Karen and Mary
are both successful at interview. They have both applied for LHO Longford/Westmeath and for St.
Angela’s College Sligo. They both score 121 at interview, which would place them at joint number 3 on the
panel for LHO Longford/Westmeath. If “Professional Knowledge” has been the secondary ranking chosen
then the candidate who has scored highest in this area will receive the first job offer. Karen scored 19 in the
“Professional Knowledge” element and Mary scored 18. Karen will be number 3 a. on the panel and Mary
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HSE Sponsorship Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme 2015
will be number 3 b. on the panel. Where candidates have the same mark on the secondary ranking, an
additional ranking will be applied and so forth.
b) Acceptance / Refusal of Sponsorship Places
The National Recruitment Service will require that you include in your application form your:

mobile telephone number

e-mail address
These are the communication channels the HSE will use to contact you. If you change your e-mail address
or mobile telephone number it is your responsibility to inform the National Recruitment Service.
It is your responsibility to ensure you have access to your mobile voice mails, text messages and emails.
This means that if you choose to use your work mobile and work email address you may miss
communications that have a time deadline requirement while working away or on leave.
Should you be offered a sponsorship you will be offered only one HSE maternity site / HEI. If you decline
this offer you will be removed from the panel.
Should you be offered, you will receive a text message from the HSE to the mobile number alerting you to
a message sent to your email address that you have provided.
You will have one working week, i.e. 5 working days, in which to accept a sponsorship offer made in the
first round of offers. Should there be subsequent rounds of offers the timeframes for accepting
sponsorship offers may be shorter and will be clearly indicated at offer stage.
Appointment to the sponsorship programme will be subject to satisfactory references, Garda/Security
clearance, medicals and other clearance requirements.
Please note that the option to defer sponsorship is not available.
c) Medical Clearances:
It is the successful candidates' responsibility to ensure that all relevant immunisations are up to date prior
to the commencement of the programme. Individual HEIs will advise on specific requirements on
acceptance of the programme place. Please note that clinical placements may be delayed significantly if
immunisations are not current.
d) Police Clearances from Abroad
It is the responsibility of the candidate to obtain police clearances for all jurisdictions in which they have
lived and worked in excess of six months outside the Republic of Ireland. You will not be issued a
sponsorship agreement or be able to take up your sponsorship place without all clearances on file.
Therefore, we advise you to commence the processing of your police clearances from abroad immediately
to ensure your availability to commence employment should you be deemed successful at interview and
offered a sponsorship.
(Please see Appendix 3 for further information)
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HSE Sponsorship Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme 2015
Appendix 1
(i) EEA NATIONALS
EEA nationals who do not require work permits / visas / authorizations are nationals of the following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The
Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia,
Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Bulgaria and Romania.
(ii) NON-EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA APPLICANTS WHO RESIDE WITHIN THE STATE.
In order that we can process your application it will be necessary for you to submit the following scanned
documentation:

A scanned copy of your passport showing your identification and immigration stamp showing you have
permission to be in this State.

A scanned copy of your current Certificate of Registration (GNIB card) showing Stamp 1, Stamp 4/
4EUfam, Stamp 5

A scanned copy of your current Certificate of Registration (GNIB card) showing Stamp 3 and scanned
copies of the following:

Marriage/Civil Partnership Certificate

Spouse’s passport showing their identification and immigration stamp and their current GNIB card showing
Stamp 1, 4 or 5

If your spouse holds a Stamp 2 for the purposes of PhD study, please include a copy of their passport
showing their identification and immigration stamp and their current GNIB card showing Stamp 2 and
documentary evidence from the relevant educational institution showing that they are a PhD student
And
OR
And
OR
Applications that are not accompanied by the above documents where necessary will be considered incomplete
and will not be processed any further.
This means that your application will not be submitted for the ranking exercise and subsequent invitation to
interview.
For more details on EEA countries please see visit the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation website
www.djei.ie
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Appendix 2
Persons in receipt of a pension from specified Superannuation Schemes
The HSE has implemented a policy which prohibits the rehire of retired members of HSE staff in all grades. You will
not be eligible to compete for posts to be filled in this campaign if you have previously worked for the HSE/former
Health Boards and are now in receipt of a pension awarded under the terms of one of the following Pension
Schemes:
1. Local Government Superannuation Scheme (LGSS)
2. HSE Employee Superannuation Scheme
3. Voluntary Hospital's Superannuation Scheme (VHSS) (Officers or Non Officers Schemes)
4. Nominated Health Agencies Superannuation Scheme (NHASS).
Prospective candidates must satisfy themselves as to their eligibility to be employed by the Health Service
Executive before applying/competing for posts to be filled through this recruitment campaign.
Former Health Service and public sector employees must ensure that they adhere to their contractual obligations
where they have previously availed of the Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER), 2010 Voluntary Early
Retirement Scheme (VER) or 2010 Voluntary Redundancy Scheme (VRS).
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Appendix 3
Applicants who have resided overseas for a period of 6 months or more:
PLEASE NOTE: the Garda clearance form which you complete and return on the day of interview only covers
addresses in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
If you have resided in countries outside of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for a period of 6 months or
more, it will be mandatory for you to furnish this department with a Police Clearance Certificate from those
countries stating that you have no convictions recorded against you while residing there. You will need to provide a
separate Police Clearance Certificate for each country you have resided in. Clearance must be dated after the
date you left the country/countries.
NB: Candidates who studied outside of Ireland e.g. in the UK, please pay particular attention to this. You will
require UK disclosure to cover the entire period you were in the UK. Clearance must be dated after you left the
UK.
The following websites may be of assistance to you in this regard:
United Kingdom
London: www.met.police.uk/dataprotection
Metropolitan Police Service - Your right to information
www.disclosurescotland.co.uk
www.south-wales.police.uk/fe
www.north-wales.police.uk
www.police.uk/forces/forceslist.asp This website will provide you with a link to each police force site in the
UK. Click on the relevant force covering the area where you resided. A search under Data Protection or
Data Access Request or Subject Access Request will bring you to the relevant section of that Police Forces
website.
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Startinganewjob/index.htm?CID=EMP&PLA=url_mon&CRE=crb (This
website will provide you with a list of registered agencies to contact in the UK who may process your
request for UK clearance with the Criminal Records Bureau).
You can also email subjectaccess@acro.pnn.police.uk regarding your request.
Australia
www.afp.gov.au This website will provide you with information on obtaining a national police clearance
certificate for Australia
New Zealand
www.courts.govt.nz This website will provide you with information on obtaining police clearance in New
Zealand.
United States of America
Please note that valid Security/Overseas Clearance from the USA must be obtained from the FBI only,
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1201.html
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FBI Clearance is valid for all of the United States and convictions / remarks occurring anywhere in the
United States would be noted. Individual US State Clearance (e.g., New York State Clearance) is not
acceptable as it is valid for that State alone and convictions / remarks occurring in other States may or may
not be noted.
Other Countries
For other countries not listed above you may find it helpful to contact the relevant embassies who could
provide you with information on seeking Police Clearance.
NB: Candidates please do not send us your overseas clearance or any other documentation unless we request it
from you. Candidates who receive job offers will have 5 working days in which to produce the required
documentation; otherwise the job offer will be withdrawn.
When requested, a copy of your Clearance will be retained on file and the original returned to you by post.
NB: Any costs incurred in this process will be borne by the candidate.
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Appendix 4
Student Midwife (Post Registration)
(Higher Diploma in Midwifery)
Job Specification, Terms & Conditions
Job Title and Grade
Student Midwife (Post Registration) (Higher Diploma in Midwifery)
Competition
Reference
NRS 1335
Closing Date
Closing date for receipt of completed application form is no later than 5.00pm Friday 12 th
September, 2014.
Closing date for all supporting documentation must be received by NRS no later than
5.00pm Friday 12th September, 2014.
Proposed Interview
date(s)
Week commencing 13th October 2014.
Taking up
Appointment
The successful candidate will be required to take up the sponsorship by commencement of
the relevant HEI course of study.
Organisational
Area
HSE South, HSE West and HSE Dublin North East
Location of Post(s)
See site specific information appendices at the end of the job specification.
Purpose of the Post
The Student Midwife, in exercising his/her professional accountability, will be expected to
successfully attain the five domains of competence on completion of the education
programme as specified by Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland in the ‘Requirements and
Standards for the Midwife Registration Education Programme’ (December 2005 and
addendum 2007):
Professional / Ethical Midwifery Practice
Holistic Midwifery Care
Interpersonal Relationships
Organisation and Co-ordination of Midwifery Care
Personal and Professional Development
The Student Midwife will practise under the supervision of Registered Midwives and
Nurses (where Student Midwives are assigned to specialist areas e.g. Gynaecology,
Neonatal and Theatre). The Student Midwife will be expected to develop the knowledge,
skills and attitude which will enable him / her, upon registration, to practice as a Registered
Midwife.
See www.nursingboard.ie/en/careers.aspx for more information.
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Principal Duties
and
Responsibilities
Clinical / Professional
The Student Midwife will under supervision:
provide safe midwifery care to women and babies respecting individuality within the scope
of midwifery practice
practise as part of the service’s staff complement in gaining clinical midwifery experience in
providing high quality woman centred care
practise as part of the multidisciplinary team under the supervision of the Registered
Midwife or Nurse (where Student Midwives are assigned to specialist areas e.g.
Gynaecology, Neonatal, Theatre)
practise in accordance with relevant legislation influencing Nursing & Midwifery practice
practise within the limits of own competence and scope of practice
adhere to Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland Guidelines
Code of Conduct and Scope of Practice
take measures to develop own competence in accordance with the competency
assessment process and achieve EU requirements (‘Requirements and Standards for the
Midwife Registration Education Programme’ December 2005 and addendum 2007)
Risk, Health & Safety
The Student Midwife will under supervision:
adhere to policies, procedures, relevant legislation and standards to provide safe
professional practice
be aware of risk management issues, identify risks and take appropriate action
report any adverse incidents and near misses
comply with current legal and professional requirements for medication management
Education, Training & Development
The Student Midwife will:
take responsibility for own learning and development needs
complete all mandatory training
actively engage in the curriculum as per HEI requirements
take measures to develop own competence in accordance with the competency
assessment process and achieve EU requirements (‘Requirements and Standards for the
Midwife Registration Education Programme’ December 2005 and addendum 2007)
develop and use reflection to inform and guide practise
Administrative
The Student Midwife will under supervision:
utilise the resources in an effective and economic manner
contribute to ongoing monitoring, audit and evaluation of the service as appropriate
maintain records and submit data as required - ensuring that records are safeguarded and
managed in a confidential manner and in accordance with the standards set by ABA and
the HSE / local policy
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The above Job Description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved
and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate
to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the
development of the post while in office.
Eligibility Criteria
Qualifications and/
or experience
At the time of application:
1. Be registered in the General Division of the Register of Nurses maintained by the
Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland or entitled to be so registered
2. Have a minimum of 6 months post registration experience as an RGN, within the
past 5 years (by the closing date of application), working a minimum of 74 hours
per month.
Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of
undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would
indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character
Age
Age restrictions shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new
entrant (within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation Act, 2004). A candidate
who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age.
Skills,
competencies
and/or knowledge
It is important that the candidate demonstrate:
an understanding of the role and function of the midwife
transferable skills from General Nursing / other experience e.g. knowledge and experience
of current nursing practice including individualised care planning and case management,
concept of clinical audit
understanding of the importance of evidence-based clinical knowledge in making decisions
regarding client / patient care
understanding and/or experience of health promotion
a commitment to continuing professional development
evidence of effective planning and organising skills and importance of value for money
the ability to build and maintain relationships including the ability to work effectively in a
multidisciplinary team environment
evidence of ability to empathise with and treat patients / clients, relatives and colleagues
with dignity and respect
effective analytical, problem solving and decision making skills
effective communication skills in order to carry out the duties of the role
a willingness to engage and develop IT skills relevant to the role
knowledge and understanding of the requirements of the midwifery programme.
Competition
Specific Selection
Process
Shortlisting /
Interview
Short listing may be carried out on the basis of information supplied in your application
form. The criteria for short listing are based on the requirements of the post as outlined in
the eligibility criteria and skills, competencies and/or knowledge section of this job
specification. Therefore it is very important that you think about your experience in light of
those requirements. Failure to include information regarding these requirements may
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result in you not being called forward to the next stage of the selection process.
Code of Practice
Please note that information established post application resulting in a candidate not
meeting the eligibility criteria, will result in the candidate being disqualified and removed
from the programme.
The Health Service Executive will run this campaign in compliance with the Code of
Practice prepared by the Commission for Public Service Appointments (CPSA). The Code
of Practice sets out how the core principles of probity, merit, equity and fairness might be
applied on a principle basis. The Codes also specifies the responsibilities placed on
candidates, feedback facilities for candidates on matters relating to their application, when
requested, and outlines procedures in relation to requests for a review of the recruitment
and selection process, and review in relation to allegations of a breach of the Code of
Practice. Additional information on the HSE’s review process is available in the document
posted with each vacancy entitled “Code Of Practice, Information For Candidates”.
Codes of Practice are published by the CPSA and are available on
www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs in the document posted with each vacancy entitled “Code of
Practice, Information For Candidates” or on www.cpsa-online.ie.
The reform programme outlined for the Health Services may impact on this role and as structures change the job
description may be reviewed.
This job description is a guide to the general range of duties assigned to the post holder. It is intended to be
neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to periodic review with the employee concerned.
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HEALTH SERVICES EXECUTIVE
Terms and Conditions of Employment
Student Midwife (Post Registration)
(Higher Diploma in Midwifery)
Tenure
The student will be appointed in a temporary capacity as a student Midwife attached to one of the
designated hospitals. The student will be assigned to the sponsoring Maternity Hospital for their
clinical placements.
Appointment as an employee of the Health Service Executive is governed by the Health Act 2004 and
the Public Service Management (Recruitment and Appointment) Act 2004.
Remuneration
Each participant on these programmes will retain their current point on the staff nurse salary scale on
entry into the programme (based on verified nursing service). Participants will retain their incremental
date and will be granted incremental credit (if applicable) during the programme. HSE HR Circular
004/2011
Working Week
College Hours as assigned.
HSE Circular 003-2009 “Matching Working Patterns to Service Needs (Extended Working Day /
Week Arrangements); Framework for Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016” applies.
Under the terms of this circular, all new entrants and staff appointed to promotional posts from Dec
16th 2008 will be required to work agreed roster / on call arrangements as advised by their line
manager. Contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8am-8pm over seven
days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the
Framework Agreement (Implementation of Clause 30.4 of Towards 2016).
Superannuation
All pensionable staff become members of the pension scheme.
Annual Leave
In the case of fulltime courses sponsored employees shall retain their annual leave entitlements
throughout the period of the programme. However, annual leave may only be taken outside of
academic semesters and in accordance with service needs. HSE HR circular 004/2011
Protection of
Persons
Reporting Child
Abuse Act 1998
This post is one of those designated in accordance with Section 2 of the Protection of Persons
Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998. You will remain a designated officer for the duration of your
appointment in this post or for the duration of your appointment to such other post as is included in
the categories specified in the Ministerial Direction. Such officers will, on receiving a report of child
abuse, formally notify the Senior Social Worker in the community care area in which the child is
living.
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Additional Campaign Information
HSE Sponsorship Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme 2015
Appendix 5
SITE SPECIFIC INFORMATION PER MATERNITY / HEI SITE
Cork University Maternity Hospital / University College, Cork
Title of the Programme
Higher Diploma in Midwifery
Duration of the Programme
18 months commencing on 15th March 2015
Location of training
Health Service Executive South, Cork
Location of placement(s)
Cork University Maternity Hospital with community midwifery placements in outreach
facilities.
Overview of Programme
Modules
The Higher Diploma in Midwifery is a full-time programme running for 18 months
from the date of first registration for the programme. The programme will be offered
on a continuous basis with students commencing the programme in March 2015.
Students will receive an 18 month contract of employment with the Cork University
Maternity Hospital. The Higher Diploma will comply with the professional
requirements of Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland and the EU directives for
registration as a midwife. Registered midwives who complete the programme will be
eligible for midwifery registration in another EU Member State when they have
completed one further year of clinical practice encompassing all the activities of the
midwife.
The Higher Diploma in Midwifery consists of the following modules:
Students take 90 credits as follows:
Year 1
Part A
NU5056 Childbirth and the Neonate I (20 credits)
NU5057 Professionalism for Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
NU5058 Health Promotion for Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
NU5073 Evidence Based Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
SS5806 Social Policy and Midwifery Practice (5 credits)
Part B
NU5088 Midwifery Practice I (10 credits)
Year 2
Part A
NU5043 Ethics for Midwives (5 credits)
NU5047 Normal Childbirth: Current Debates and Trends (10 credits)
NU5059 Childbirth and the Neonate II (10 credits)
NU5079 Research Methods in Midwifery (5 credits)
Part B
NU5089 Midwifery Practice II (10 credits)
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Overview of the requirements of
the course (e.g. course output
requirements / number of
clinical placements / exams etc)
Additional Campaign Information
HSE Sponsorship Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme 2015
To undertake the Higher Diploma in Midwifery in UCC/ HSE South
Successful completion Leading to a Higher Diploma in Midwifery from University
College, Cork
Registration as a Midwife with Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland
The education/training is in accordance with the Requirements & Standards for
Midwife Registration Education Programme as directed by Nursing & Midwifery
Board of Ireland (2005/2007).
Practical and Clinical Teaching
Practical and clinical learning will be undertaken in Cork University Maternity
Hospital. Some clinical placements will be undertaken at the Cois Ti antenatal, clinics
and all are in accordance with ABA requirements (ABA, 2007 Requirements and
standards for the post-RGN Midwife Registration Education Programme).
The periods of clinical experience are given under the supervision of Registered
Midwives and other staff.
The Student Midwife will be assessed throughout the programme using a midwifery
competency book and a variety of other tools.
All Clinical areas are approved as suitable for a midwifery education programme by
Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland.
Assessment of Modules will involve presentations, assignments and an end of year
written exam
Clinical competencies are assessed using the clinical competency booklet, clinical
experience book, clinical placement interviews and an end of year clinical exam
http://www.ucc.ie/calendar/postgraduate/
http://www.ucc.ie
Details of Service
Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) is located on the western side of Cork
city and provides maternity, gynaecology, and neonatal services to women and their
families in Cork City and County, parts of Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford.
Cork University Maternity Hospital caters for over 8,800 births per annum.
CUMH has undergone significant changes following the amalgamation of three
maternity hospitals in Cork City in 2007. It is built on the campus of the Cork
University Hospital (CUH) and shares services such as Pharmacy, Laboratories,
Canteen, and Library Facilities.
A Community Midwifery Outreach Service entitled “Cois Tí”, which means “near
home”, is currently being developed which provides antenatal and gynaecology
services to women in their local community setting.
www.cuh.hse.ie
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Reporting Relationship
Informal Enquiries
Additional Campaign Information
HSE Sponsorship Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme 2015
Director of Midwifery or her/his designate
Olive Long
Cork University Maternity Hospital
Tel: 021 4920704
Email: Olive.long@hse.ie
Rhona O’Connell
UCC
Tel: 021 4901466
Email: r.oconnell@ucc.ie
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Additional Campaign Information
HSE Sponsorship Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme 2015
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda / Dundalk Institute of Technology
Title of the Programme
Higher Diploma in Midwifery
Duration of the
Programme
18 months commencing on 2nd March 2015
Location of training
Location of placement(s)
Overview of Programme
Modules
Overview of the
requirements of the
course (e.g. course output
requirements / number of
clinical placements /
exams etc)
Dundalk Institute of Technology, Dundalk, Co Louth
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Co Louth
All clinical placements will be undertaken in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.
Supervised clinical placement will be available to students in the following midwifery
settings: Antenatal, Intranatal, Postnatal, Midwifery Led Unit, Neonatal, Community
Midwifery services (outreach clinics), Obstetric/Gynaecological Operating Theatre and
Gynaecological areas. The clinical placement component of the programme satisfies
required experiences set out by Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland (2007).
The programme is divided into three semesters with a combination of theoretical and
clinical modules being provided each semester.
Semester 1
The Profession of Midwifery
Midwifery Practice 1
Midwifery and Women’s Health
Clinical Placements 1
Semester 2
Midwifery Practice 2
The Healthy Neonate
Sensitive Midwifery
Clinical Placements 2
Semester 3
Midwifery Practice 3
The Complex Neonate
Developing the Profession of Midwifery
Clinical Placements 3
Theoretical Requirements
Each theoretical module is assessed individually, either by a combination of continuous
assessment and examination or by course work (100%) or final examination (100%). The
weighting of assessments and length of examinations will be reflective of the nature of the
module and the learning outcomes to be demonstrated. The choice of module assessment
methods and schedules are based upon a number of factors including the hours and the
nature of the module area.
Clinical Requirements
The aim of the clinical placement is to give students the opportunity to develop
competence in midwifery practice. Students will be facilitated to achieve specific minimum
clinical experiences in accordance with the EU Directive 2005/36/EEC and Nursing &
Midwifery Board of Ireland Requirements and Standards (2005). The practical and
theoretical experience gained during clinical placements will integrate, complement and
further develop the skills acquired during the previous modules of study. The clinical
assessment process in the Higher Diploma in Midwifery programme makes use of a
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Additional Campaign Information
HSE Sponsorship Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme 2015
checklist (workbook) to verify that student midwives are progressing to clinical
competence of the required learning outcomes.
This is carried out by the student’s preceptor in the practice setting at regular intervals
throughout the clinical placement.
Details of Service
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda is a 357 bedded academic teaching hospital
providing a range of acute medical and surgical services, emergency services, intensive
care, out-patient day care services, diagnostics, gynaecological, obstetric, maternity
services and a nursing and midwifery education centre, in the HSE Dublin North East
Region. The hospital is also the Regional Trauma Referral Centre.
The Maternity Unit at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital is the largest Maternity Unit in the
Region and approximately 3700 women give birth in the Unit each year.
The Unit is a level 3 obstetric Unit together with the Regional Neonatal Intensive Care
Unit. The hospital has been accredited as a Baby Friendly Hospital.
The services provided in the maternity unit include:
Antenatal Booking and Review Clinics
Out Reach Antenatal Clinics in Dundalk and Navan
High Risk Pregnancy Clinic
Diabetic Clinic
Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit
Fetal Assessment/Maternity Day Unit Services
Consultant - Fetal Medicine
Antenatal and Postnatal Parenthood Education
Breastfeeding Support and Advice
Midwife Specialist-Teenage Pregnancy Support Service
Midwifery Bereavement Support
Antenatal Inpatient Care from Early Pregnancy
Low and High Dependency Intranatal Care including 24hours Epidural Service, Obstetric
Theatre and Recovery Room.
Postnatal Care to Mothers and Babies,
Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit
Gynaecological Services
Midwifery Led Services.
The Midwifery Led Unit (MLU) is the first MLU in Southern Ireland. The MLU aims to
provide high quality; evidence-based and cost effective women centred care. It provides
individualised and family centred maternity care, with a strong emphasis on skilled,
sensitive and respectful midwifery. Student midwives will have an opportunity to avail of
experience in this service.
Reporting Relationship
Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services
Informal Enquiries
[someone applicants can
contact if they require
further info on
programme]
Jill Atkinson
Dundalk Institute of Technology
Email: Jill.Atkinson@dkit.ie Tel: 042 9370264
Email:annmarie.connor@hse.ie Tel: 041- 9837601 ext 2488
bleep 432
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Additional Campaign Information
HSE Sponsorship Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme 2015
University Hospital Galway / National University of Ireland, Galway
Higher Diploma in Midwifery
Title of the Programme
18 Months commencing on 2nd March 2015
Duration of the Programme
Location of training
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Aras Moyola, National University of Ireland Galway
and University Hospital, Galway
Maternity Unit, University Hospital, Galway
Location of placement(s)
Overview of Programme
Modules
Overview of the requirements
of the course (e.g. course
output requirements /
number of clinical
placements / exams etc)
The Higher Diploma in Midwifery is a full time programme, of seventy eight weeks
duration. It consists of twenty six weeks theory and fifty two weeks clinical practice.
Students undertake the following modules during the programme:
Application of the Biological Sciences to Midwifery
Normal Midwifery Care I
Social Sciences -Psychology
Clinical Practice 1
Evidence Based Practice
Normal Midwifery Care II
Social Sciences -Sociology
Care of the Woman at Risk I
Care of the Woman at Risk II
The Neonate Requiring Special Care
Issues in Midwifery Practice and Women’s Health
Clinical Practice 11
Both theory and practice are assessed. Theory modules are assessed by a
combination of coursework and examinations, while the two clinical practice modules
are assessed by coursework. Examinations take place in December and May time.
Coursework includes essays, class presentations, poster presentations and Objective
Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).
Assessment of competence in clinical practice is undertaken by the preceptors in
clinical practice, utilizing the competency assessment tool, which incorporates the five
domains of competence which the student must reach on completion of the
programme.
Clinical practice placements are undertaken in the following areas: antenatal, intranatal,
postnatal, neonatal, community, theatre and gynaecology as per the NMBI
Requirements and Standards for the Programme.
Details of Service
In 2013, West, North West Hospital Group (WNWHG) was formed, which comprises of
five Maternity Units, including Galway, Portiuncula, Castlebar, Sligo and Letterkenny.
Each Maternity Unit in the group reports their activities at group level through 12 Key
Performance indicators (KPI’s) that have been chosen democratically and are
discussed at our monthly Directorate meetings. Policy and Guideline and Care
Pathways Groups were established to structure and standardise evidence based care
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Additional Campaign Information
HSE Sponsorship Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme 2015
for maternity services in the WNWHG.
The Obstetrics & Gynaecology Department at University Hospital Galway is certified to
ISO 9000 since 1996 and currently ISO 9001:2008 certification. The first acute
healthcare service in Ireland or the UK to adapt this internationally recognised standard
for Quality in the Service Industry. The certification was awarded by an independent
third party Accredited Certification Body - the National Standards Authority of Ireland
(NSAI), following a systematic and detailed evaluation of the quality system.
Benefits of ISO 9001:2008 Certification:
Demonstrates commitment to quality and patient care, leading to greater patient
reassurance & satisfaction.
A clear and efficient documentation process.
Allows structured feedback from patients.
Enables continuous improvement through auditing and management review.
To maintain the quality service within the department
Other
In 2013 there were 3141 births in the department.
We currently have 4 midwifery outreach clinics covering South, East & West Galway. In
March 2009, a midwifery led early transfer home programme was introduced which is
now well established.
We are an accredited Baby Friendly Hospital and committed to the Promotion of
Breastfeeding. We were awarded Accreditation at Level 3 by the Irish Health Service
Accreditation Board (IHSAB) (now HIQA – Health information Quality Authority)
Reporting Relationship
University Fees
Informal Enquiries
[someone applicants can
contact if they require further
info on programme]
Chief Director of Nursing, Group Director of Midwifery, WNWHG, Director of
Nursing/Midwifery, Galway University Hospital
Assistant Director of Midwifery at the Women’s and Children’s Directorate, Maternity
Unit, or other nominated manager, GUH.
Post Registration Midwifery Programme Clinical Co-ordinator, Maternity Unit, GUH
Professor of Midwifery and Midwifery Lecturers at NUI, Galway.
Paid by the HSE
Anne Fallon National University of Ireland, Galway
Tel: 091 495601 or Email: anne.fallon@nuigalway.ie
Miriam Brennan University College Hospital, Galway
Tel: 091 493651 or Email: brennanm@nuigalway.ie
Margaret Coohill University College Hospital, Galway
Tel: 091 544532 or Email: margaret.coohill@hse.ie
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Additional Campaign Information
HSE Sponsorship Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme 2015
University Maternity Hospital, Limerick / University of Limerick
Higher Diploma in Midwifery
Title of the Programme
18 months commencing on 26th January 2015
Duration of the Programme
University of Limerick
Location of training
University Maternity Hospital (UMH), Limerick.
Location of placement(s)
Overview of Programme
Modules
Overview of the requirements of
the course (e.g. course output
requirements / number of
clinical placements / exams etc)
Details of Service
The 18 month Higher Diploma in Midwifery Programme is delivered in conjunction
with the University Maternity Hospital, Limerick. The philosophy of midwifery
education is based on a wellness model of women centred holistic care. The
programme is full time and the student is both an employee of the hospital and a
student of the University of Limerick.
Semester one the student will be grounded in normal midwifery care and will acquire
the theory and skills of assessment of mother and baby.
Semester two will expose students to theory underpinning complex midwifery care
and ensure that whilst recognising and appreciating that pregnancy and childbirth
are physiological processes they may be complicated by obstetric, medical and
gynaecological problems.
Semester three will provide the opportunity to consolidate practice through midwifery
theory, utilising skills and knowledge that support the woman in achieving her
potential throughout her pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period.
The course consists of 26 weeks theory and 52 weeks of practice placements.
Theory and practice are acquired in tandem throughout the three semesters with
further practice placements outside of semester. The programme adheres to the
University of Limerick’s modular, continuous assessment and grade point average
system. A variety of strategies will be used for all assessments, which will be
contextualised in practice.
For those wishing to register as a midwife in other EU countries, following successful
completion of the Higher Diploma in Midwifery programme a further 12 months of
midwifery practice is required under EU regulations.
UMH is a regional referral centre for maternity care operating as part of UL Hospitals
established in 2012. The group of hospitals include, University Hospital Limerick
UHL, University Maternity Hospital UMH, Ennis, Nenagh and St. John’s hospitals
which operate as one single hospital system of corporate and clinical governance.
UL Hospitals has four Clinical Directorates one of which is the Maternal and Child
Health Directorate incorporating Maternity and Paediatric services.
The University Maternity Hospital, Limerick is the second largest maternity hospital
outside of Dublin with an average of 4,700 births per year. There are seven birthing
rooms, two operating theatres; an emergency admission unit, two
postnatal/antenatal wards (27 bedded) and one antenatal ward (29 bedded). In
addition there is an antenatal clinic, Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit and a
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Additional Campaign Information
HSE Sponsorship Student Midwife Recruitment Scheme 2015
Colposcopy unit. The Neonatal unit is a tertiary referral unit and has a capacity of 19
cots.
Alongside hospital maternity services we also have a community midwifery service.
This facilitates early postnatal transfer home and low risk midwifery provided
antenatal clinics. The hospital also provides other specialist services e.g.
bereavement counselling and Diabetes.
There is a Registered Advanced Midwife Practitioner in Diabetes and a Registered
Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Women’s Health. In addition there are two Clinical
Midwives Specialists in Lactation. The University Maternity Hospital was reaccredited as a Baby Friendly Hospital in 2011. A programme of in-service training is
provided for staff. There is a system of internal rotation of staff within the maternity
unit which facilitates staff gaining experience in all aspects of midwifery care.
Reporting Relationship
Directorate Nurse/Midwife Manager or her/his designate
University Fees
Paid By HSE
Informal Enquiries
[someone applicants can
contact if they require further
info on programme]
Carmel Bradshaw Course Director Higher Diploma in Midwifery,
Dept of Nursing and Midwifery
University of Limerick
Tel: 061 233654
E mail: carmel.bradshaw@ul.ie
Mary Doyle
Midwifery Practice Development Coordinator
Mid-Western Regional Maternity Hospital
Ennis Road
Limerick
Tel: 061 483158
E-mail: mary.doyle7@hse.ie
Page 24