Continuity of care is key for inspirational Albany midwife Joanna

Joanna Stewart Morgan says she learnt many things while training to be a Midwife but after nearly a year in the job, certain lessons have stood out.

For Joanna, who was among the first cohort of 17 nurses to complete our Paid Student Midwifery Model Pilot (PSMMP) program, attitude and approach are important considerations.

“I completed a semester with Curtin University in their Master of Midwifery program prior to switching to the paid model with Notre Dame.

“I worked on the Maternity Ward in Albany for 18 months as a paid student,” she said.

“The most valuable thing I learnt during the experience was to be humble and non-judgemental, and to enable women to be able to make their own decisions.”

Joanna started working at Albany Health Campus in 2018 as an Assistant in Nursing, before graduating as a Registered Nurse in 2019.

Originally from the UK, staying on at Albany was an easy decision after she completed her midwifery studies in July 2024.

“The team in Albany are a great support and work really hard to provide a safe space for women to receive their care,” Joanna said.

“I was supported to reach my learning objectives and the team would let me know if there was anything interesting that would enhance my learning.”

Part of our ongoing commitment to upskilling our own, the PSMMP allows Registered Nurses in country WA to stay in their existing workplace while completing a Graduate Diploma of Midwifery.

Throughout the 18-month program, participants are supported with flexible working arrangements, fully funded course fees, access to clinical facilitators, and travel to the metropolitan area for study weeks.

Joanna said she was inspired to become a Midwife by her late cousin, who was diagnosed with breast cancer while studying midwifery in the UK.

“We would have hour-long chats about her experiences and how much she loved it,” Joanna said. 

“Whilst the diagnosis slowed her studies due to the treatment she required, it did not impact her determination to complete her studies.”

Joanna said her cousin graduated and secured employment, however, her cancer returned and she lost her battle before she was able to practice as a Midwife.

“During her illness she made me promise to explore my study options so that I, too, could become a Midwife. 

“Once all of my children were in school, I started my studies as an RN.”

As a fully qualified Midwife, providing continuity of care throughout the antenatal, labour, birth and postnatal phases is the most fulfilling aspect of the job for Joanna.

“I especially love seeing people in the community after their birth, knowing that you have cared for them during a most special, life-changing event,” she said.