Hi there,

I have been accepted to a 18 months course in midwifery.I am currently working as a nurse but in a wrd I don't particularly like very much.
I am uncertain whether to accept or not, part of me is very interested in becoming a midwife part of me is scared of restarting to follow lectures and writing essays again.

Anyhow I would like to ask a few things, that i have not been able to ask at the interview otherwise I think I would have not been considered at all.

I will be seconded by the Trust I work for. In case I don't like the course can I leave any time? Do I have to pay the salary that they have paid me back?
Also about maternity leave, would I be entitled to any? ( not that I am thinking about children as I have a little one already but if I asked during the interview they would have showed me the door straight away ).

What about the NHS pension?
Does it continue to be paid during the secondment?

Thanks

Firstly hello and welcome!

Secondly, I'm afraid I don't really know the answers to your questions as I've not ever worked for the nhs...

But - as far as I'm aware generally secondment positions are basically temporarily working elsewhere - but for the same employer. As such all you conditions of service should remain the same - pension etc. Maternity - I'm sure you would still get it as it's recognised for students so it must be for staff....

I can't see why you would have to pay the salary back - because they are paying for 'work' you've done rather than the promise of work you will do - as it's salary and not a grant or loan or whatever...

For more clarity though I would talk to HR - they are the only ones who will definately know the terms of your secondment if you don't.....

I say go for it - there aren't many of the 18month courses around any more - and if they're still paying you full salary to boot - you can't possible have anything to loose can you???

Good luck with it all - be sure to keep us posted x

Hi Amy
I work for the nhs and I know that a few of our hcas who have been seconded into nursing posts HAVE to pay back what they earn- have no idea why! But I would still think it would be cheaper than going to uni independently
I think pension contributions etc. stay the same as they are based on your salary.
Maternity leave usually applies after you have been in a certain post for a certain number of weeks (not sure how many).
Definitely speak to HR to find out for sure, and I hope it all goes ok for you
Hope this has helped a bit

Sara x x

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Thanks girls!

I would like to go for it, the only thing that is stopping me is my little boy, he is 15 months and at present my husband and I are managing to look after him ( I am working a night a week and sturday and sunday half day). If I start the course I would have the put the little one in nursery or take him to a child minder 4 days a week. I feel so guilty about it but working every weekend is not ideal either!

I know what u mean amy, i got a 7yr old and that's hard enough, even though she is in school, the holidays are a killer when u have to work!
I think there will always be difficulties whatever job u do when u have children, but I also think we feel worse for it than they do!
Definitely go for it if it's what u really want, sort the formalities after lol xx

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Hi Lucky Star,
Hope you're ok. I've got a 7 yr old little girl too and have an interview for a Maternity Care Assistant job soon. How do you find the job? Are you at uni too? x

Thanks again for your answers!

I have decided to go for it, I am sending all the paper work back today. I have told the sister at work. She said :" are you sure you are going to manage?" What a nice way to wish goo luck!
I keep repeting myself: it's now or never, so I will try and see how it goes. I do not want to have regrets in the future.

It is really hard with preschoolers - but as you say - you'll have more family time in another way because of having more weekends free. 18months will fly by and you'll still have a year with your little one after qualifying before he starts school.

Great news you've decided to go for it - see you on the other side!