To the aspiring midwives who inquire about pay rates may I humbly suggest contacting the various registration boards and the associated state, dare I say it, Nursing unions around Australia to see exactly where 'they' view direct entry midwives in relation to pay scales, employment opportunities and accountability. Sorry but that's the system in place at present.
I have heard whispers from some noted quarters 'not on par with registered nurse/midwife but along with enrolled nurse level' which is rather unkind.
Hi Barb and all,
thanks for the info and advice Barb. But from past postings on this list I think we all know the ANF's position on the B Mid !!! As to what I will be paid as a B Mid Graduate ???? Who knows ??? Its only just really occurred to me that at the end of my study, someone may actually pay me then for the 'work' I do !!!
Industrialised/unionised midwifery isn't something I have alot of knowledge of and experience with (you can say that again.... I hear a few of you whisper).
The B Mid situation I feel is quite unique so I would imagine current nursing awards as they stand may not be applicable. However having said that, there are some non-nurse midwives from OS working here in Australia already. So something must have been negotiated somewhere along the line for these midwives ??
What I invisage in the future is many B Mid graduates/midwives negotiating their own contractual arrangements with their prospective employers by way of annualised salaries for their respective 'caseloads'.
Yours in birth,
Tina Pettigrew
Birthworks
Independent CBE and aspiring B.Mid Midwife.
Convenor, Aust B. Mid Student Collective.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BMidStudentCollective
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
" As we trust the flowers to open to new life
- So we can trust birth"
Harriette Hartigan.
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