Recertification - Elective Education

This refers to the attendance of midwives at courses that they choose to complete - these are not compulsory from the Midwifery Council perspective. The course is generally on one specific topic and midwives actively participate in the day. Courses have identified learning outcomes and specific content. Further they require approval from the Midwifery Council and have points allocated. A full list of elective education courses may be found by referring to the list of courses available, these are sorted either by location or topic. 

For the Recertification Programme, midwives must collect a combined minimum of 50 points of elective education and professional activities over each three year period.  A minimum of 15 points must be for elective education, and a minimum of 15 points must be for professional activities, the remaining minimum 20 points must be obtained through either elective education, professional activities or a combination of both. The total number of points required and their allocation was reduced as a result of the Council's consultation about the Recertification Programme (carried out at the end of 2007) and applies from 1 April 2008.

Please also note that midwives completing any paper which is part of a midwifery postgraduate programme can self-allocate 40 points per paper.

Providers offering short courses with generic approval

In addition to the elective courses listed, short courses/seminars/updates offered by all DHBs, Schools of Midwifery, NZ College of Midwives, NZ Nurses Organisation and Birthcare which last 1 to 2 hours are allocated 1 point each.

Discretionary 10 points - guidelines for self-allocation of points

Ten discretionary elective education points can be allocated for attendance at courses that are not directly relevant to the Midwifery Scope of Practice, for example, computer training, complementary therapies, Te Reo or small business workshops.  Ten points is the equivalent of two days or 12-14 hours of education. Points can be accrued through attendance at several short courses or one 2 day course.  Midwives do not need to seek approval from the Council but within their portfolio need to make it clear that they have allocated elective education points according to these criteria.

For all courses, midwives should provide copies of attendance/completion certificates or some alternative evidence of attendance in their portfolio with details of the length of each course.

Reflections

Midwives are expected to briefly reflect on their learning and how it applies to their midwifery practice. These should be kept in their portfolio.