Throughout her career as a nurse and clinical midwife, Tess Harmey has remained committed to lifelong learning and providing compassionate care to mothers and babies by assisting other health professionals to acquire new skills and by delivering educational workshops and build best practice knowledge.
"Teaching is a very big part of my role as a clinical midwife, both within the birthing suite and through the delivery of educational workshops at Mater."
Ms Harmey's journey at Mater began in 1997, as a registered nurse/midwife at Mater Mothers' Hospital and Mater Children's Hospital. Since then, her professional career has evolved, and she is now a clinical midwife in birth suites.
"I provide care and support to expectant mothers before, during, and after childbirth. I work with the most amazing bunch of people! My role involves a combination of clinical expertise, emotional support, and patient advocacy" she said.
"I must say that the joy that comes from witnessing the birth of a new life, coupled with the gratitude and happiness of the families I assist, undoubtedly adds a special dimension to my role as a midwife."
In addition to her role as a clinical midwife, Tess completed a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment and shares her expertise with other clinicians by teaching professional development courses at Mater. These courses include Perineal Suturing and Antenatal and Clinical Birth Suite Skills.
She also inspires high school students interested in a career as a midwife as part of Mater Education's High School Health Adventure one-day maternity course.
Tess's commitment to best-practice care for mothers and babies i s no better expressed than in her latest achievement, completing the Diploma in Management and Leadership in 2023.
"In today's dynamic work environment, maintaining skills, and leading the way to learning new skills is an integral part of healthcare, and I love being involved in teaching courses. The Perineal Suturing and Antenatal and Birth Suite Skills courses I facilitate provide hands-on training, allowing both midwives and doctors to develop their skills and proficiency."
The Perineal Suturing course provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to perform suturing of first and second-degree perineal tears which can occur following a vaginal birth.
"Increasing the number of midwives with suturing skills has a direct flow on effect by providing more clients with continuity of care, and giving birthing mothers a seamless, timely transition to the postnatal ward or to home. After exploring the theory behind suturing, participants practice the skill, simulating how to do this procedure in the clinical setting."
The Antenatal and Clinical Birth Suite Skills course is a full day workshop for participants wanting to expand their capabilities in providing exceptional birthing care. Skills taught include sterile water injections, induction of labour techniques and vaginal examinations.
Mater Education's professional development courses are taught by experienced clinicians like Tess, enabling healthcare professionals to further develop their skills and knowledge, and improve the capability and capacity of healthcare teams.
These workshops reflect Mater's continued commitment to excellence by ensuring Mater clinicians are equipped with the training and experience required to provide the best possible care for patients.
Tess encourages anyone working in midwifery to stay up to date with the latest practice and contribute to improving patient outcomes by attending a professional development course.
"The importance of continuing professional development lies in the ability to equip individuals with knowledge and skills. These workshops are done in a relaxed, fun atmosphere and people always leave the day with a smile on their face and a new skill under their belt."
Learn more about our professional development courses and register here.
