hahaahah, wondered when we would crack open this chestnut!!

I just wrote a really long post and then deleted it by accident so this won't be so long, but I have to put my two penneth in...!

I have quite mixed views on this, whilst no we are most definately not supernumary, once again the theoretical ideal, in reality impossible. Just like normality on CLU's.

I think at a certain stage in your training and with a good mentor, this is beneficial to your training, being able to provide most care on your own is better and enables the sutdent to learn more and become more proficient both with communication and practical tasks.

Too early in your training though, and not being able to work with a mentor for a good amount of time to develop a trusting relationship means this won't work though. I have changed mentors (long story) and am now able to work much more cohesively, we get on well, I can go and do things myself and she knows and trusts that if I am unsure of anything, I will come to her and ask her to check. If not that things are ok. She does not use me to perform tasks and teaches me those things I struggle with when we are more able to find the time to.

We are a cheap alternative, the bursary does pay us a meagre sum but to live and learn to be a midwife, not to work, and maybe we do lose out to some respect, however IMO I do better working this way and feel it better prepares us for working when newly qualified.

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