IWK Health Centre is health provider based in Halifax, Canada. And it’s dedicated to providing quality healthcare services to women, children, youth and families especially in the maritime provinces; and also beyond.
This year, the institution is interested and accepting applications from qualified midwives all around the globe.
Midwife, Midwifery Care
IWK Health Centre 5980 University Ave #5850, Halifax, NS  .
Job information:
Job Title: Midwifery, Women’s & Newborn Health Provider
Employer: IWK Health
Position Type: Temporary Full-Time (100% FTE) for 18 months
Location: Halifax; Dartmouth
Salary: $41.479 – $55.1132 per hour
Start Date: Immediate
Union Status: Non-union, Management/Non-Union Bargaining Unit
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled (Applications accepted until 23:59 Atlantic Time)
Location: 5980 University Avenue, Suite 5850, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Salary: $41.48–$55.11 per hour
Employment type: Full-time
Shift and schedule: On call opportunities.
Vital information or details: IWK Health, situated in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a well-regarded academic health center that delivers tertiary and primary care to about two million individuals annually in the Atlantic region.
With a workforce of around 4000 staff members, including physicians, volunteers, and learners spread across various locations in Nova Scotia, IWK Health fosters career growth through training and mentorship opportunities. Mutual recognition of talent, celebrating achievements, and collaboration either on-site or remotely are key aspects of our work culture.
Our commitment to aligning work with values, offering enhanced benefits and wellness programs, and supporting patients, families, and communities, is paramount,” an IWK Health official website read.
The institution also expresses gratitude for the generous donor support it receives. We prioritize creating an anti-racist environment and standing against discrimination in our work and care provision.
Situated in Mi’kma’ki, the traditional land of the Mi’kmaq people, we value the shared privilege of working and caring for individuals across Atlantic Canada alongside the original inhabitants.
Nova Scotia is home to diverse communities, including 13 First Nation communities, over 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities, and a significant population with disabilities, as well as high proportions of transgender and non-binary individuals.
While we actively work to combat discrimination, we recognize the need to further address biases, trust-building, and reducing barriers for our varied communities.
The goal at IWK Health is to cultivate a safe, inclusive environment that promotes equity and belonging in both care provision and employment opportunities.
Responsibilities of an employee at IWK Health:
The individuals who make up the maternity care team:
As Community Midwives at the IWK Health Centre, they are valued members of the maternity care team with a strong camaraderie with their healthcare peers.
They work closely with the hospital team and also operate out of a welcoming clinic in Dartmouth.
At the IWK, they follow the Canadian Model of Care and provide primary care services including hospital or home births for low-risk mothers.
They handle a case load of 3-4 clients monthly in various settings like homes, clinics, or the hospital. Their focus is on personalized maternity care from conception to the postpartum period, and they ensure continued access to care beyond childbirth by coordinating with other healthcare providers as needed.
The goal is to provide a comprehensive range of midwifery services that are culturally sensitive and embrace the diversity of the communities we serve.
They prioritize populations that have been historically neglected and oppressed, and we have been advocating for the practice of midwifery in Nova Scotia since 2009, as an important part of the healthcare team.
Working hours at IWK Health, Halfiax
This will be determined based on the on-call roster and clinical rotation in collaboration with the midwifery team.
Necessary Qualifications needed for employment at IWK Health
Completion of a midwifery education program from a Canadian university, or a qualification that meets the requirements outlined in the Nova Scotia Midwifery Act and Regulations, is necessary.
Mandatory certifications include current Cedentials in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Neonatal Resuscitation certification (NRP) with intubation, and completion of an Obstetrical
Emergency Skills courses necessary for IWK Health work
(1) In order to be registered with an active clinical license for practice, individuals MUST meet the approval of the Midwifery Regulatory Council of Nova Scotia.
(2) Current practice must adhere to the standards set by the Midwifery Regulatory Council of Nova Scotia in order to obtain or retain registration as a practicing Midwife.
(3) Having previous experience working with the Canadian Midwifery Model of Practice would be beneficial.
(4) Must have or be able to obtain a valid Nova Scotia class 5 driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle available at all times.
(5) Qualified for liability insurance coverage from the IWK and must submit a current criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening and child abuse registry check.
(6) Able to work flexible hours according to patient needs and location of service for the provision of on-site clinical services, healthcare in patient homes/communities (as appropriate), hospital/clinic services, and on-call coverage.
(7) The candidate must have the physical ability to handle the responsibilities of the job in different weather conditions, which may include lifting heavy objects, moving equipment in and out of buildings, and navigating stairs.
Skills needed to stand a chance of getting employed at IWK Health
Useful medical abilities:
Midwives must not only be proficient in using medical equipment but also skilled in conducting medical procedures, tests, and examinations to assess the well-being of both the mother and child.
These assessments often involve intimate procedures, making it crucial for midwives to be knowledgeable and demonstrate expertise to ensure the comfort and safety of all parties involved. Additionally, staying updated with the latest medical advancements in the field is essential as techniques evolve over time.
Understanding of medical devices:
One aspect of a midwife’s responsibilities involves monitoring the health of both the pregnant woman and the fetus.
This involves using specific medical tools like stethoscopes, blood pressure monitors, syringes, and clamps. Properly utilizing these instruments requires expertise and proficiency, essential for the successful performance of a midwife’s duties.
Observation is crucial for midwives as they rely on this skill to spot symptoms in patients and assess the health of both the mother and baby. This skill becomes even more vital during pregnancy, where monitoring the mother and ultrasound images are key to gauging the baby’s well-being.
The ability to observe effectively allows midwives to detect issues early on, preventing them from escalating, and is honed through practical experience in the field.
Good Communication Skills:
This is a vital skill for midwives who work in collaboration with a team to care for the health of both the mother and baby. It is essential for sharing information with colleagues, discussing patient needs, and explaining medical terms in a way that patients can easily understand.
Working together as a team is essential for success:
Midwives play a vital role in maternal healthcare teams, where teamwork is essential for providing comprehensive care. Collaboration among team members involves sharing information and collectively deciding on the best treatment plans.
Critical thinking:
Developing critical thinking skills is also crucial for midwives, as they often need to navigate complex symptoms and external factors affecting patient care.
Note: Maintaining professionalism is key to ensuring patients feel comfortable and secure during medical procedures.
Additionally, EMPATHY plays a significant role in connecting with patients on an emotional level and providing compassionate care throughout the pregnancy and childbirth journey.
Conclusions: the IWK Health encourage individuals who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Colour, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, or 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply, as it strive for a diverse workforce that reflects the diverse individuals we serve.