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First community placement

Discussion in 'Clinical Placements & Electives' started by Mango, Feb 8, 2012.

  1. Mango Member

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    We're on our first community placement, and while there's still obviously a million miles to go I'm slowly starting to feel like I'm actually getting somewhere and starting to figure it all out and work out what's going on.

    Every day I come home and feel so happy that I made the decision to become a midwife, which is great because I had this kind of worry in the back of my head that what if I started placement and hated it! Thankfully not the case at all!

    It's just little things that are building my confidence, like getting the lie/position/engagement etc during abdominal palpations, finally figuring out blood pressures (still don't always get the same as my mentor though...). Little steps but it feels so good, just loving it! And of course the massive variety of women we see.

    Love SMnet as well cos I have somewhere to come and SHOUT about it and know that folk here will get it :laughing::rockon:
    Mango, Feb 8, 2012
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  2. MrsSkip Moderator

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    That's so great that you're enjoying your course so much. I am struggling to gain confidence, although I am getting more skills under my belt, so hopefully I will start to feel less 'useless' soon. It is great to have SMNET to talk about your experiences with people who understand, isn't it! Hope you carry on loving your course and growing in confidence!! :)
    MrsSkip, Feb 9, 2012
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  3. Mango Member

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    Aw MrsSkip sorry you feel like you're struggling to gain confidence. Congrats on having some catches though! I can't wait for labour ward placement!!

    I think I just accepted that right now I am pretty useless and starting from nothing, so every little thing achieved is a step forward, and while it can sometimes feel like 2 steps forward 1 step back, overall we're learning so much and it's all great experience. I bet you're doing a lot better and know a lot more than you're giving yourself credit for, we can be our own worst enemies sometimes!

    I have absolutely nothing signed off yet in any of my books and sometimes feel a bit like I'm behind the rest of the class, but it'll come.

    Are you on a labour ward placement just now?
    Mango, Feb 10, 2012
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  4. Binky Round 3 it is...

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    Love this :D Glad you're loving it!
    Binky, Feb 10, 2012
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  5. MrsSkip Moderator

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    No, it was my first placement and it feels like ages ago now! It was a hard act to follow as it was so involving, and community took a while to grow on me, but I completely get it now why people love it :) I'm on antenatal clinic now and next will be moving to postnatal. I've had quite short 5 week placements, which I think isn't very helpful, as you just start to get the hang of things and then you're a complete novice again! Some other girls in my cohort have much longer placements and I think they are a lot better for building confidence.

    Where are you next, Mango? x

    ETA: We do split weeks, so our placements are mostly just 3 days a week, so you get even less settling in time. I have some block weeks on DS at the end of this year, so I just hope I make it that far!
    MrsSkip, Feb 10, 2012
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  6. Binky Round 3 it is...

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    Oi! Less of that!x
    Binky, Feb 11, 2012
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  7. Mango Member

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    we have short placements as well but they're blocks, so you're in a lot and get a lot of continuity. On labour ward next, think that starts in about 6 weeks :)

    My mentor told me on Sunday that this week she's going to get me doing a lot more, as my confidence took a bit of a knock when I was off then shaky going back. So tomorrow's antenatal clinic should be fun :D

    I'm with Binky, you WILL make it do delivery suite placement :yes: and we want to hear all about it!!!
    Mango, Feb 14, 2012
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  8. MrsSkip Moderator

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    Let us know what you think of Labour Ward - I absolutely loved it!!
    MrsSkip, Feb 16, 2012
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