Registered Midwife - Band 6 (1) (2024)

FAQs

What does a Band 6 midwife do? ›

Undertake care of mothers and babies throughout pregnancy, delivery and during the postnatal period within the hospital. Facilitate and continually assess, implement and evaluate all midwifery care, in line with current evidence, unit policies and guidelines, and the NMC Midwives Rules and Code of Practice.

Main duties, tasks & skills required

*The have continuing responsibility for leadership, supervision and management of midwives or nurses, students and clinical support workers ensuring delivery of a professional, efficient and cost-effective service, in the absence of the Matron.

Most midwives are employed by the NHS, however opportunities also exist in private hospitals, independent practices and the armed forces. As your career develops, you could take on a specialist role.

Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)

The RCM believes the preceptorship period should normally last no longer than one year and, after successful completion, the midwife should automatically progress from Band 5 to Band 6. Find out more via the NMC website here.

While some nurses can progress from band 5 to band 6 within a year or two, others may take longer. The length of time will depend on how much experience you have as a nurse and how much time you can devote to continuing professional development (CPD).

As well as the essential antenatal and postnatal care you'll provide, as a midwife, you'll also help women make their own decisions about the support and services they access during pregnancy and labour. You'll continue to give health education and parenting advice until care is transferred to a health visitor.

Usually, between all the bands actually, it's responsibility. So the more you train, the more education you have, the more knowledge, the more skills you get as you develop your Band 5 role, when you go into that Band 6 role, you're taking on a bit more responsibility.

Is there a shortage of midwives? ›

The country has a shortage of about 2,500 midwives, and maternity units are struggling with safety concerns. BBC research has also found that some trusts have more than one in five midwife jobs unfilled. The Royal College of Midwives says staffing is the "most important issue" and the gap needs to close.

Certified nurse midwives also earn more because of their advanced education requirements. All CNMs must hold a master's or doctoral degree in nursing. Their experience, education, and specialized skill set qualify them for higher pay than many other nurses. Location will also influence your earning potential as a CNM.

"You feel like you've finished your day's work and you've not done a good job. You've not given the care that those families deserve." She said that midwives are regularly required to do the work of three people, often in areas they are not experienced in and that she witnesses "unsafe situations on a daily basis".

Approved full-time midwifery degree courses last for three years. Half your time is spent studying at university and half gaining practical, supervised experience in a range of settings. If you are working in a relevant role, it's possible to take a part-time course lasting five or six years.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 6.4% employment growth for nurse midwives between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 500 jobs should open up. Nurse midwives are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who see women of all ages for annual exams, regular pregnancy exams, menopausal care and more.

Usually, between all the bands actually, it's responsibility. So the more you train, the more education you have, the more knowledge, the more skills you get as you develop your Band 5 role, when you go into that Band 6 role, you're taking on a bit more responsibility.

Leadership and Team Management

A significant aspect of the Band 6 role involves leadership and management responsibilities. Nurses at this level are often in charge of a ward or team, tasked with coordinating shifts, delegating duties, and providing mentorship and support to junior staff.

Band 6 nursing roles include senior staff nurse, deputy ward manager, nurse specialist, consultant nurse and health visitor. Typically, the move to band 6 will mean taking on a level of management responsibility, ward responsibility and/or autonomy in decision-making.