Just felt that I had to blow a trumpet for one of the best students I've worked with for a while
I worked with this student yesterday for the 2nd time. She is a first year in her 1st hospital placement. She has only 7 deliveries under her belt but exudes the kindness, compassion and confidence that some of us have taken years to develop. We had a fairly steady day - helped with a semi elective section when she scrubbed and 'took' the baby with skill and dexterity (she had only done this once before) and then, just at the end of the shift a lady came in that we had sent home in non-established labour earlier. When she arrived with the ambulance she was showing external signs of 2nd stage. My super student calmly and efficiently prepared for deivery whilst talking soothingly to the mum.
I thought I had time to pop out for 5 minutes to give report to the night staff but our lady thought otherwise! I rushed back into the room to find SuperStudent with hand on emerging head calmly saying "just breathe". The rest of the delivery went smoothly and we welcomed a beautiful baby girl.
I hope this student recognises herself in this post as I was impressed by her natural aptitude for midwifery
I am aware that we (old qualified biddies) don't say how well our students do often enough so I hope this shows that we are impressed by you even if we don't say it x
Well done JB

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Laugh in the face of the devil Eat Chocolate

What a lovely post nappysack,

It means so much as a student to receive praise when it is deserved from our mentors and the midwives we are working with. It gives a huge boost to our confidence too.

I too hope your student sees this and recognises herself, as it sounds as if she really does deserve it.

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Midwifemissy x

Student Midwife 2007
Student uni rep
Educational Resources Manager

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How funny you should post this. I was interviewed today for some research into students experiences of the degree programme. One of the comments I made was that mentors don't praise students often enough.

I feel that mentors will often say a very quick 'that was a nice delivery' or similar, but that real praise is lacking. Yet they are quick to give constructive criticism. So I am really pleased to see your post.

I hope you made it abundantly clear to your student how well you thought she did. Praise is the one thing that makes you want to do well and continue to make a difference for each and every woman you are in contact with.

I also hope that students are able to praise their mentors when they have given them a good learning experience!

Praise works both ways and we all need a reminder of that from time to time.

Well done to your student NS, she sounds like she will be a valuable asset at the end of her training. And well done to you for enabling her experience to be so calm. It would have been easy for you to take over and send her out of the room. You obviously have a good working relationship.

KS x

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Kentish Spitfire
Moderator, Student Services
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"It's better to be thought a fool - rather than proved a fool!"

We are as good as our teachers NS

What a lovely post, I hope shes on the site and see's that, if that were me Id be so chuffed it'd be printed off and in my CAP!!!!

NS... youre lovely xx

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J
StudentMidwife.NET Founder & Director

"You're braver than you believe. Stronger than you seem. And smarter than you think."
Christopher Robin in Pooh's Grand Adventure

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

Lovely post NS!

I do hope she reads it and feels good about herself

I agree with the thought that we do not get enough praise, there is an awful lot of negativity in midwifery, especially now and positive things are rarely said.

My mentor is nice and says lots of nice things to me, whcih really make a massive difference. I always thank her for her hard work and for helping me with so much too

My old life was very much focussed on instilling confidence in people and it is amazing how little effort it takes to turn someone around just by giving genuine and enthusiastic praise to them.

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Second year!
"Don't wonder why people go crazy, wonder how they don't......"

Aww what a lovely post, as already said i hope she recognises herself and feels really proud x

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misscurious x

Applying for 2009

Mikey to win...

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

What a wonderful post NS!
Fantastic confidence booster and something for her to look back and read when the going gets tough!
I feel so proud of your student - she sounds fabulous!!

xx

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

That's lovely! I spend half my time thinking I'm crap - not because anyones ever said anything particularly bad - just because it's like getting blood out of a stone getting anything nice said! Most mentors seem to be able to come across as supportive and encouraging to mothers - I don't get why it's so hard to do the same for us a little bit?!?!

Great stuff nappysack - I'm sure you'll have made her day/week etc!

Awww what a lovely post, she sounds fab and you sound a fab mentor NS. I hope she sees this post
xxx

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Karen
Starting access course Sept 08 (hopefully!!)