Good luck, you'll be fine, I remember my first day like it was yesterday, it was a mad 12 hour, I think I only breathed out once I sat down at home, and thought "what an earth was I so worried about?" It was manic, I saw the worst things ever, but was not afraid of anything after that day, so it stood me in great stead. Don't worry about your mentor, tell her that your very nervous, and aren't sure what to expect, or what she expects from you, and hopefully you'll be fine and dandy xxx

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Have you just been offered a place? If so and you want a mentor please post in post this forum (also post here if you would like a mentee)

*Sigh* is she not home yet?! .. I'm waiting to see how it went! Tut!

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I think I got home around the time you sent that Littlenoo ..lol. Had to have my dinner, I was starving.

I had an amaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaazing day. My mentor was not anywhere near as bad as I thought. But she did like to put me on the spot A LOT, with questions .. on the CTG, on the placenta, on the cord, fetal circulation etc.
I was surpised to get my first witness. The lady my mentor was looking after was expected to end up as asection as she had been stuck at 8cm for a reeeeally long time, and a couple of hours later when I had joined my mentor she was still 9cm. Then when things were moving for her and head was decending, it was still thought she might end up with at least a ventouse or forceps. So still didn't think I would get a witness. But my goodness, she was a trooper,and she bloody well pushed for an hour to get that baby out. She did have an Episiotomy so I watched that as well as her being stitched up... amazing!
I have to say I was so privileged to be there, and I had a mahoosive lump in my throat when baby finally came.
My mentor tried to get me in on another delivery for my 2nd witness, but I was away running some errand (lots of errands in between contractions/birth/note taking etc, etc) and missed it.
I'm on a long day with her Thursday & Friday (bollox) and have no doubt she will be pushing me to get my 5 witnesses.
My back is ruined.. lol, but it doesn't help that my period started this morning so I was already aching.
All in all it was a real mixed bag... feeling lost when being sent on errands or to find something, to nervous when being put on the spot, to wondering 'omfg, will I ever be able to do all that?' to absolute elation and privilage.
Now I can't wait to sleeeeeeeeep ... I did not sleep last night at all!!!!

Sounds fab to be honest! I'd be scared if I didn't feel a little lost and out of my depth! I expect to feel like that on DS for the whole of my training!

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Glad you enjoyed your first shift!

My mentor(s) sent me on errands all the time as well, I tell you something though, I learnt where things were kept and names of equipment really quickly :o) Don't be afraid of asking!

Tip here: Make friends with the HCA's/domestics by helping out when quiet, offering a brew etc....I have noticed other students being ignorant and often rude, like cleaning a room is 'beneath them'. I helped on my quiet shifts now they will gladly return the favour by helping me out/showing me things/taking me to other departments/brewing up when you are run ragged.

I also couldn't sleep after my first few shifts - was absolutely buzzing!!

Hope you enjoy rest of your placement xx

Just noticed your in the NW, where are you training?

xx

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Coffeebean xx



Prospective Students Manager



Please help us raise funds for a bereavement room in Honey's memory by taking part in the SMNET Auction & Raffle here thanks x

I'm at Edge Hill, so will be rotating between Whiston, LWH and Ormskirk.

I took so long to get to sleep last night, I was still buzzing..lol.

I intend to help the HCA's out if I can, for sure. I know they know loads, and I would have been even more lost yesterday were it not for them.

Sounds like you had a great time Freefall, ope your next shifts are even better.

I am hoping my first shift goes well in a few weeks time, getting really anxious (sp?) just thinking about it.

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Midwifemissy x

Student Midwife 2007
Student uni rep
Educational Resources Manager

Please help us raise funds for a bereavement room in Honey's memory by taking part in the SMNET Auction & Raffle here thanks x

sounds like a fab shift-just wondered why the Episiotomy???

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Have you just been offered a place? If so and you want a mentor please post in post this forum (also post here if you would like a mentee)