Work Experience

I wrote to my local doctors surgery, asking if I could spend the say with the doctors (i didnt think they would let me do exp. with the midwife), and they said that wasn't possible. They told me that I could shadow the midwife though, at her antenatal clinic! So every thursday morning for a month I sat on on her appointments, learning about the profession and meeting mothers-to-be and their fam's... I also got to palpate the tummies! It was unforgettable!

x

Hi all.
I have had terrible trouble trying to gain work experience, I met with my local team of midwives to have an informal chat, i was told that Cornwalls NHS trust will not allow shadowing as they have had problems in the past, i wrote to the head of widwifery to plead my case, sadly to no avail!!! It would seem that the only legs i have to stand on is the fact i have 10 years in care (a very divese range) and attending births as a birthing partner! Dont know if i will be in very good stead concidering all the fantastic applicants i read about on here. Begining to think i wont stand a chance!
Anyway, Happpy new year everyone xx

The tutors do know how difficult it is to get wep so I wouldnt worry about that. You can say that you have tried so hard to get some, that will show that your determined but I wouldnt worry that you havent, infact life experiences are just as important. I was actually told by a midwifery manager that getting experience in maternity isnt a pre-requisite of the course and having that experience doesnt make you better than anyone else who hasnt. Good luck, take your life experiences with you and just let your passion flow!

Good Thread!
I first contacted my local Maternity unit where i was given a tour around the unit,ante-natal clinic, labor ward and post-natal ward. I asked the supervisor of Midwife's if there was any chance of volunteering on the maternity ward. She said you could try and ask the cordinator of this work if he could arrange it for you. She also said they were just about to start this process of volunteer's allowed to work on the maternity unit. I immediatley went to see this person (not pushy me) and asked if he could arrange this for me. 6 weeks later and for the past year i have worked on the maternity unit. WHilst there i have undertaken a breast feeding course where i have been able to advise women, i can also do baby bath shows, change beds, get the women tea, stock up on nappies and formula milk, take menu's and general jobs. It has been amazing for gaining knowledge in the role of the midwife.
Since then i phoned various hospitals asking (pleading) with them if they could offer me work experience. I have just started this placement. The first two days i spent on the labor ward where i witnessed a c-section and a normal birth and shadowed the midwife who attended these births (brilliant). Yesterday i spent on the ante-natal ward where women go if they have complications and are admitted. This is still on going for me and i finish this in 8 days. The last days i will spend in the community.
If you know any friends who work in this field ask them if they can help you. One of my friends is a neo-natal sister and i was lucky enough to do a night shift with her, this was also very helpful.
Just keep asking and pestering (nicely though) anyone who you think could help you. Ring your local doctor's and ask to speak to the community midwife (if they have one) and have a chat with her, even talking to the midwives is helpful.

x

I am doing work experience for Sure Start (Brill). Also Womens aid. i am doing sign language. and also work at my local hosp.

All are enjoyable and have broaden my knowledge on midwifery healthy eating/living
helping deprived families. Also another communication skill sign language and a insight in hospital surroundings. Plus the signs and advise becoming familiar with what help is available to Domestic Violence Victims. xx

Hey I'm a newbie so forgive me if i ask silly questions...
But when you are on work experience (I'm still in School and have never done it) do you actually do work, just observe or can you do both depending on where you go for it?
Hope i didn't confuse anyone!

I wrote to my nearest hospitals and community midwives explaining that I was applying to university to study for a degree in midwifery and was wondering if it would be possible to maybe volunteer or shadow a midwife. She said that they couldn't allow that but they had some bank shifts. So I have a few next month which I am really looking forward to.
As I said at the time you, if you dont ask you dont get.

i contacted hillingdon hospital voluntary services manager and she sent out an application form which i sent back straight away. 2 weeks later i contacted her to ask if it would be possible to get any voluntary work and lucky for me there were 2 vacancies. i went into the hospital yesterday for a chat about the vacancies and will be starting in about 8 weeks once the crb check is done

it is 4 hours a week on a monday morning and involves taking pregnant ladies down to have their scans, some fileing and just generally helping out where i can. i feel vey lucky to have been offered this position as so many of you have found it hard finding any voluntary places within the maternity unit

I contacted my local hospital and asked to speak to the volunteer co-ordinator. I was then sent out an application form, before being invited in to the hospital for a chat about what I wanted to do. I am now just waiting for my CRB check to clear and my occy health, then I should be able to start on maternity doing a few hours a week just helping out here and there. Fingers crossed.
My advise to anyone would be to phone a few local hospitals and go from there really. You can only try.

if anyone has breastfed their own children they are eligible for training as a peer support mum, ive done this own the wards with new mums helping with breastfeeding getting to speak at clinics, at schools talking to teenagers attending breastfeeding conferences, its a great way to gain experience. ive just app to uni for sept, so hope it stands by me.