We went on community placement first. We organised meeting mentors at home and travelling with them to postnatal visits. Or meeting them at clinics.

Initially you watch visits, ask questions inbetween and generally take it all in. In clinic you watch appointments and begin to participate as your mentor allows. I began doing BP'S and urinalysis, then doing the fundal height measurements, palpations and auscaltations and gradually ended up doing most then all of the appointment/visit. Postnatal visits was much the same. Gradually as you both agree and you gain in knowledge you conduct the whole visit. All documentation needs to be countersigned though.

Postnatal ward was basically following your mentor around and gradually being allowed to do more and more as time goes on. Although some mentors work differently.

Don't know what paperwork your uni has but we have to fill out a learning contract at the beginning of each placement to ensure we learn/do the appropriate things each time in order to achieve specific competencies/ learning outcomes.

It is quite hard at first, but quickly you get to be more hands on and learn really quickly that way!

Hope you enjoy it! When do you start, Noo?

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