April 03, 2025
NMBI held its inaugural Midwifery Student Ambassador Forum in Dublin today.
NMBI held its inaugural Midwifery Student Ambassador Forum in Dublin today.
The Forum was opened by NMBI President Dr Louise Kavanagh McBride and NMBI Interim CEO Carolyn Donohoe.
The event is a unique opportunity for undergraduate and post graduate midwifery students to meet with NMBI and understand the role of the regulator in supporting them throughout their careers. The Midwifery Student Ambassadors will partner with NMBI in promoting the profession, as well as participate in NMBI events throughout the year.
Opening the Forum, NMBI Interim CEO Carolyn Donohoe said: “We believe that this Midwifery Student Ambassador Forum will become a strong and active environment where the midwifery students will have an opportunity to collaborate with NMBI. By bringing together midwifery students, educators and the regulator, we are promoting an exchange of ideas with meaningful dialogue that can truly make a difference. The Forum provides an opportunity for NMBI to listen to the views of midwifery students as they start out in their careers and to understand their needs and aspirations. I believe they will inspire the next generation of midwives interested in a career that makes a difference.”
15 midwifery students from the six higher education institutions which offer midwifery courses at undergraduate and post-graduate level were represented at the event.
Speakers included Dr Karn Cliffe, Director of Professional Standards - Midwifery; Jeanne Tarrant, Fitness to Practise Officer; Dr Ray Healy, Director of Registration and Kathyann Barrett, Head of Operations and Trish Nolan, Executive Officer, from the Education, Policy and Standards Department.
The midwifery students participated in a series of round table discussions on topics such as the priorities for midwifery students/ new graduates and their views on midwifery in Ireland. They also shared their thoughts on the recently launched Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives.
NMBI Interim Chief Executive, Carolyn Donohoe said “NMBI is pleased that the students will embrace the role of Midwifery Student Ambassadors.”
Áine Lynch, NMBI Vice-President and Director of Nursing at Tallaght University Hospital brought proceedings to a close. “The Midwifery Student Ambassador Forum creates a strong relationship between the regulator and midwifery students. We are confident this will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among students and encourage them to contribute to the advancement of the profession.”