Returning to the NHS
Real life stories
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Name: Jayne Fox
Job title: Midwife, Woodview Medical Centre, Northampton
I’d left midwifery for 10 years to be a full-time mum, but midwifery had never left me. At first, I’d thought leaving meant the end of my career in the NHS. But when I took on a job as a healthcare assistant in a nursing home, I was encouraged to do a part-time NVQ3 course in care.
My first day back at college gave me a real buzz and I decided that I’d go for what I really wanted, which was to become a practising midwife again.
I couldn’t believe how quickly it all happened. I contacted my local return to practice co-ordinator, she arranged an interview with a midwifery tutor and, after I’d completed my NVQ course, I started the programme.
I did 330 hours of supervised clinical practice between April and August, combined with a 12-week, part-time generic course for all returners. In September I had my registration again and started working two days a week, which has now increased to three.
I hadn’t actually practised as a midwife for very long before leaving, so I did feel nervous. But the amount of support when I started again was excellent and really helped restore my confidence. It’s a job I’m passionate about. I’d left originally because I didn’t feel I could do the job justice and meet my commitments as a mother as well.
Now I’m able to set the boundaries between the two, and I believe the experience I’ve acquired as a mother of five children makes me a better midwife. I’m passionate about the importance of breastfeeding so I want to take my interest in it further. Currently I’m working in a community role, which is what I enjoy best. It’s great to be working in the NHS again as part of a team with a good skill mix.
