Ive had an idea in my head for a while of a buddying system in practice. I dont know if any Uni's currently have one but this is my thinking....

Year 1 students have a 'buddy' in the year(s) above, they keep in touch via email/msn/meeting whatever they choose, but the buddy has the role of advising and supporting the newbie in practice.

For example when I started the course I wasnt sure what to take on placement with me, what do I need? what do I wear? whose who? where's the canteen?! I know the mentor has a role in this obviously but I am thinking from a peer support angle. I also think having a friendly familiar face in practice will make those first few weeks less daunting....

It could be set up fairly easily, via email from a course lecturer/head when they are contacting the newbies about personal tutors perhaps? and for those base sites that have more or less students than others maybe buddys can have more than one newbie.

It wouldnt be time consuming as its basically just making a friend on placement before you get there, and also someone to ask the questions you dont feel comfortable with hitting your mentor with in the first few days.

It would be a purely support role, with the aim of taking some of the anxiety out of going on a new placement for the first time.

Any comments?

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Josie
StudentMidwife.NET Founder & Director



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We do this at my Uni, it's great - works well! xx

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VickiT
2nd Year Student Midwife
OBU

I really think this would be a great idea. Im in my second year and still dont really know any of the year above me. I thought i would get this when i first started or at least be introduced to them, and on the other side of that, i would like to meet the new intake and would welcome them asking me questions.

Our uni does not tend to do much interaction between the years .

Thats a bit of a shame... it would make things easier for everyone all round

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Rob (Co-founder & Technical Director)
StudentMidwife.NET
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I think this is a great idea.

Currently if I wanted to get advice I would have to try to contact someone else from my uni via sms.

Our years never meet except on placement and there seems to be some atmosphere between us and them (which makes me sad)

I als othink that 2nd and 3rd years should operate some sort of buddy scheme on hopsital placement. I ti s very difficult when you first go in and not at all welcoming, even from these students who not so long ago were where my poor cohort are now. They could welcome and give a brief induction and intro to mentors and associates (otherwise it is a surreptious peek at name badges)

i would be happy to do it next year. Am student rep and hope to do something about thisd and the other buddy system when we finally get a meeting!

Opinions?

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This happens quite informally at our uni, but must admit that it tends to be 1st and 3rd years. As the 2nd years are all out on placement when the other years are in uni and visa versa.

We've just proposed this at uni, felt it would be really helpful. I think our group would be the first volunteers to buddy (would be a bit rude to suggest and dash haha) so will see how it goes.

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BD

Im pleased that you agree its a good idea I have been sorting out buddys and newbies and am awaiting the next bunch of you to get your places so we an buddy you up! Anyone need a buddy at their Uni? get in touch and we'll see what we can do

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Josie
StudentMidwife.NET Founder & Director



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