A few points of helpful information before finalising the maternity nurse placement.
It is normal practice for a maternity nurse to request a retainer, which is a holding fee, should your baby arrive later than the agreed booking/start date. The retainer is usually equal to 50% of their salary for the first week and then full salary thereafter.
The majority of maternity nurses also ask for a deposit of one week's salary to confirm the booking. In the event of a premature birth your booked maternity nurse may not be available, however we will do all we can to replace her and find another maternity nurse to fill in until your booked maternity nurse can start with your family.
Maternity nurse placements vary depending on your requirements and budget. Bookings start from 2 weeks up to 8 weeks but can also be extended to 6 months or more. When the maternity nurse leaves, it will usually be better to find a suitable long term nanny, by which time your baby will have a routine and you will understand his or her needs better. If it is possible you could start interviewing for a nanny before your maternity nurse leaves.
Maternity nurses are self-employed and work on a freelance basis. Salaries vary according to the maternity nurse's age and experience and whether she is responsible for a single baby, twins or triplets.
Some maternity nurses prefer to wear a uniform or an apron whilst on duty; this can be discussed during the interview. A uniform for a maternity nurse is usually very simple and often consists of trousers and a polo shirt.
If you wish to go ahead and book a maternity nurse, please do contact us and we will discuss all your requirements.
Advance bookings of maternity nurses are highly recommended in early pregnancy.
We should like to draw your attention to the fact that maternity nurses get booked up in advance and go to different interviews at the same time. It is therefore advisable not to prolong the interview process in order to secure the maternity nurse who could be the most suitable for your placement.