The pair is among the 11 student midwives, who started working at hospitals in Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD).

For Mrs Ncube, who has worked in a range of different departments including aged care, children’s ward and in a psychiatric unit back in Zimbabwe, the move into the rewarding career of midwifery seemed the right fit.

“I lost my husband in a car accident when I was 11 weeks pregnant with my son, who is now 22 years old,” she said.

“I know exactly how midwives can help a struggling mum. They can make such a big difference.

“The help and support I was given by midwives was incredible.

“I felt like this was the right time for me to give back.

“I’m very much looking forward to this. In 18 months I’ll be a brand new midwife.”

Acting nursing and midwifery director Karen Cairney said the arrival of the student midwives was

part of the annual intake of postgraduate midwifery students to MLHD.

Mrs Muchabaiwa, who is a mother of two, was just as excited to change direction.

“I feel so excited,” she said.

“It’s a challenge for me to get into this unique course.

“Although I have vast experience across all different departments, the thought of helping new others take care of their babies is very appealing.

“I think this is a nice field to venture into.

“In this course I’ll be dealing with two patients, the mother and her baby, and to some extent the rest of the family. It will be very nice.”

The student midwives have received Ministry of Health scholarships to complete their midwifery training.

They will graduate with dual registration as Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives.

Local nurse numbers will get another boost in late February with the arrival of new graduate Registered Nurses.