 Re: Interviews with Student Midwives
What year are you in?
1st year.
what are your personal circumstances?
i.e. married/kids/single etc
Partner of 11 years, big mortgage, 2 kids (10 and 4).
What did you do before you became a student midwife?
Dropped out of a-levels, worked at Pizza Hut, Had 1st child, worked part time at River Island swapped to work part time at Sainsburys on Deli, had 2nd child (nicknamed Deli baby). Full time mum, full time access, volunteered for Banardos.
Why did you choose Midwifery?
Oh this is a biggy....... because I had two very different birth experiences and it was the Midwife who made the difference. So I thought I could be the one who makes a difference to someone. I always wanted to do something in the caring sector, nursing never appealed to me. Thought about social work but decided I couldn't cope with all the negativeness. Then my Midwife said "have you ever thought about Midwifery, you would make a wonderful Midwife", so I though go for it!
How did you feel on your first day at uni and in practice?
Really comfortable, I love meeting and finding out about new people. Excited but worried I would say something silly, just wanted to make a good impression. The only thing that worried me was the travelling.
Please share a highlight of being on the course, so far...
I have so many and I'm really enjoying the course so far. The ones that stick out for me are the workshops, we had to make up a "transition dance" in one. I was the baby waiting to be born and the others encircled me (Like the cervix). We have such a good group, were always laughing and having fun. Its on camera somewhere!!
Please share a low point and how you got through that...
My low point was not getting into my 1st choice uni. I rang a few times to get feedback to no avail. I just had to keep positive for the two interviews i got. I eventually got my place and i think its a good job I didn't get in where I wanted to. I have learnt I don't do well in lectures.
Do you prefer academic or clinical?
Oh tough one, before I had my placement I would have said academic, but now I'm not so sure.
What is your favourite midwifery text book?
I have Mayes, but skills for midwives is good too.
What is your favourite midwifery literature book? i.e. babycatcher.
Call the Midwife, Jennifer Worth (I think). About midwifery practice in the East end of London, in the war, good eye opener.
What is your shift preference? earlies/lates/long days and what time to they start and finish
I like long day shifts 8am-8:30pm, bearing in mind I've only done 2. I think its good to see how the day pans out for the women and your more involved with their care. Plus you have more time for assignments when your not in.
Are you a member of a midwifery organisation? i.e RCM/ARM/LLL
Not at the moment!
Do you feel supported in practice? if yes/no please tell us why that is.
Yes I feel supported. We have link lecturers and a named mentor. Mine seems really supportive. All the Midwives where I have been seem so.
Do you feel supported at Uni? if yes/no please tell us why that is.
I have actually been know to say "I feel like I have enrolled on an Open University course". But I think that is because of the way we are taught and I think the lecturers rely too much on blackboard to communicate and I didn't have internet for 2 months at the start of my course.
Do you prefer antenatal/intrapartum/postnatal? and why?
Not had all of the experiences yet.
What are your future plans as a midwife?
Either Independent Midwifery, Teenage pregnancy support Midwife or move abroad. At this moment I don't think I would like to do all my shifts on delivery.
Share your wisdom.... what would you like to pass on to other students/wanabes?
I don't really have much wisdom at this point. Just stay positive, read, read and read some more,when you get an interview remember to smile and more importantly BE YOURSELF!!!
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