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08-Nov-2007, 19:38
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 Re: Interviews with Student Midwives What year are you in? 1st year Whats are your personal circumstances? i.e. married/kids/single etc Divorced What did you do before you became a student midwife? I worked as a trainee clinical support worker on the maternity unit at a local hospital Why did you choose Midwifery? It is something I have wanted to do since I was expecting my daughter (who is 30 this month) but due to family circumstances have been unable to until now, this at last is 'me time' How did you feel on your first day at uni and in practice? Scared, excited and nervous all at the same time. Please share a highlight of being on the course, so far...Walking into the university on the first day knowing I was about to start realising my dream. Please share a low point and how you got through that...Knowing that money is going to be a big problem and that it will be the one thing that could force me to have to leave the course, I am still trying to work out how I am going to solve this one. Do you prefer academic or clinical? Clinical definately. What is your favourite midwifery text book? Skills for midwifery practice What is your favourite midwifery literature book? i.e. babycatcher.The Babycatcher, it is very inspiring. What is your shift preference? earlies/lates/long days and what time to they start and finish Only worked earlies so far on community, start when I get there usually 8:15am, finish around 4pm ish. But did lates in my previous job, I am not really too bothered which I do. Are you a member of a midwifery organisation? i.e RCM/ARM/LLL RCM Do you feel supported in practice? if yes/no please tell us why that is.yes, my mentor is brilliant, cos she explains everything and doesn't make me feel like a spare part or stupid. Do you feel supported at Uni? if yes/no please tell us why that is.So far yes, especially by my personal tutor, she has been very supportive of my financial problems. Do you prefer antenatal/intrapartum/postnatal? and why? I have only dealt with ante and post natal so far, but I love both.Can't wait to witness my first birth. What are your future plans as a midwife? To qualify and secure a job in a hospital, one day I would love to work in the community, it is so varied and interesting, I am loving it at the moment. I would have to learn to drive first though. Share your wisdom.... what would you like to pass on to other students/wanabes? Never give up hope, if you don't get a place first time, keep trying, you will get there. I got my place through clearing and still can't believe I am a student midwife. Also, ask ask ask and ask again, even if your question feels dumb, no one will mind how many times you ask, as long as you understand in the end.
__________________ I'm in, thanks & bless you Mum & Dad x  Student Midwife 2007  Student uni rep  Educational Resources Manager  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)
Last Blog Entry: Gutted!!! (11-May-2008) Last edited by midwifemissy; 08-Nov-2007 at 19:41.  |
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09-Nov-2007, 23:43
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| Re: Interviews with Student Midwives What year are you in? just started my 3rd Whats are your personal circumstances? married 3 kids 2 dogs and 3 cats What did you do before you became a student midwife? HCA on labour ward before that i worked in homebase on customer deliveries Why did you choose Midwifery? i thought i was too old but it seems i'm not and the midwives pushed me in the right direction How did you feel on your first day at uni and in practice? totally excited and totally crapping myself all at the same time Please share a highlight of being on the course, so far... my first caseload i did the whole lot and loved it the rellationship with the woman knowing her history it was brilliant a perfect SVD Please share a low point and how you got through that... i failed my first practice assessment doc which i still think was unfair i was devastated but i had the support of my friends and some of the midwives Do you prefer academic or clinical? defo clinical What is your favourite midwifery text book? Oxford handbook of Midwifery What is your favourite midwifery literature book? i.e. babycatcher. A light in the window What is your shift preference? earlies/lates/long days and what time to they start and finish i love long days 07-15 to 20-30 Are you a member of a midwifery organisation? RCM Do you feel supported in practice? yes because i have friends within the midwifery profession who are VERY supportive Do you feel supported at Uni? NO there are good tutors but they are not always for you when help is needed they turn there back Do you prefer antenatal/intrapartum/postnatal? and why? i love them all if i had my way i would have a domino caseload What are your future plans as a midwife? to qualfy and practice Share your wisdom.... what would you like to pass on to other students/wanabes? dont think everyone is ok any people have all manner of problems, talk to each other, make friends with students in other years ask there advice |
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10-Nov-2007, 00:28
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| Re: Interviews with Student Midwives What year are you in? I'm in my first year. Whats are your personal circumstances? i.e. married/kids/single etc Have 2 kids both under age of 4 ! Iam cohibiting !!! What did you do before you became a student midwife? Office work ! Access Course ! Work Placement ! Why did you choose Midwifery? A life long dream that took a while to fulfil! I had my children young and never had the confidence to fulfil my calling so to speak ! I grew up became a bit wiser, stronger and relised I could do anything if I put my mind to it. Dont get me wrong . . .its hard very hard. Motivation is the key, you have got to really want it. How did you feel on your first day at uni and in practice? Scared, nervous . . . everything you would expect really. However it vanished within ten min ! Honestly ! Please share a highlight of being on the course, so far... Im only on my first year and 6 week into it, so as shallow as it sounds getting my uniform ! It made it feel real ! Please share a low point and how you got through that... Guilt . . .leaving my kids for long hours and feelin selfish. Even though Iam doing it for them as much as me, as a parent you will never get rid of the guilt you feel. But again motavation takes over because you know there is light at the end of the tunnel! Do you prefer academic or clinical? 9 days and counting until they let me out . . .they must be mad !!!! What is your favourite midwifery text book? Myles 14th Edition Midwifery Textbook, its got the lot ! What is your favourite midwifery literature book? i.e. babycatcher.Mother Midwife Relationship is a good one, sorry I cant remember the author. What is your shift preference? earlies/lates/long days and what time to they start and finish N/A Are you a member of a midwifery organisation? i.e RCM/ARM/LLL Do you feel supported in practice? if yes/no please tell us why that is. Do you feel supported at Uni? if yes/no please tell us why that is. Yes but its hard to tell at the minute because I have not really needed any. Do you prefer antenatal/intrapartum/postnatal? and why? What are your future plans as a midwife? To enjoy and gain experience as a Midwife working in a hospital environment which will lead me onto community. In the long term, I hope to move to Canada to practice. Share your wisdom.... what would you like to pass on to other students/wanabe Get some experience, you are entering a very competitive area. Then try and take as much from that experience as you can. If you want it you will get it, but you have to work for it. For those who think because they have a family they cant do it, well they can and Iam proof of that! There is a woman on my course who has a newborn baby as well as other children, so be strong and use the support available . Oh and Good Luck !!!!!!! |
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10-Nov-2007, 11:52
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| Re: Interviews with Student Midwives What year are you in? 1st year. what are your personal circumstances? i.e. married/kids/single etc Partner of 11 years, big mortgage, 2 kids (10 and 4). What did you do before you became a student midwife? Dropped out of a-levels, worked at Pizza Hut, Had 1st child, worked part time at River Island swapped to work part time at Sainsburys on Deli, had 2nd child (nicknamed Deli baby). Full time mum, full time access, volunteered for Banardos. Why did you choose Midwifery? Oh this is a biggy....... because I had two very different birth experiences and it was the Midwife who made the difference. So I thought I could be the one who makes a difference to someone. I always wanted to do something in the caring sector, nursing never appealed to me. Thought about social work but decided I couldn't cope with all the negativeness. Then my Midwife said "have you ever thought about Midwifery, you would make a wonderful Midwife", so I though go for it! How did you feel on your first day at uni and in practice? Really comfortable, I love meeting and finding out about new people. Excited but worried I would say something silly, just wanted to make a good impression. The only thing that worried me was the travelling. Please share a highlight of being on the course, so far... I have so many and I'm really enjoying the course so far. The ones that stick out for me are the workshops, we had to make up a "transition dance" in one. I was the baby waiting to be born and the others encircled me (Like the cervix). We have such a good group, were always laughing and having fun. Its on camera somewhere!! Please share a low point and how you got through that... My low point was not getting into my 1st choice uni. I rang a few times to get feedback to no avail. I just had to keep positive for the two interviews i got. I eventually got my place and i think its a good job I didn't get in where I wanted to. I have learnt I don't do well in lectures. Do you prefer academic or clinical? Oh tough one, before I had my placement I would have said academic, but now I'm not so sure. What is your favourite midwifery text book? I have Mayes, but skills for midwives is good too. What is your favourite midwifery literature book? i.e. babycatcher. Call the Midwife, Jennifer Worth (I think). About midwifery practice in the East end of London, in the war, good eye opener. What is your shift preference? earlies/lates/long days and what time to they start and finish I like long day shifts 8am-8:30pm, bearing in mind I've only done 2. I think its good to see how the day pans out for the women and your more involved with their care. Plus you have more time for assignments when your not in. Are you a member of a midwifery organisation? i.e RCM/ARM/LLL Not at the moment! Do you feel supported in practice? if yes/no please tell us why that is. Yes I feel supported. We have link lecturers and a named mentor. Mine seems really supportive. All the Midwives where I have been seem so. Do you feel supported at Uni? if yes/no please tell us why that is. I have actually been know to say "I feel like I have enrolled on an Open University course". But I think that is because of the way we are taught and I think the lecturers rely too much on blackboard to communicate and I didn't have internet for 2 months at the start of my course. Do you prefer antenatal/intrapartum/postnatal? and why? Not had all of the experiences yet. What are your future plans as a midwife? Either Independent Midwifery, Teenage pregnancy support Midwife or move abroad. At this moment I don't think I would like to do all my shifts on delivery. Share your wisdom.... what would you like to pass on to other students/wanabes? I don't really have much wisdom at this point. Just stay positive, read, read and read some more,when you get an interview remember to smile and more importantly BE YOURSELF!!! |
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20-Nov-2007, 22:01
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| Re: Interviews with Student Midwives This is really brilliant reading, thanks again to you all.... it shows how diverse we are as students and how different our backgrounds and reasons to coming into midwifery are.....
__________________ Josie StudentMidwife.NET Co-founder & Director  
Last Blog Entry: Running a busy forum...in pyjamas. (01-Apr-2008) |
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10-Dec-2007, 20:52
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| Re: Interviews with Student Midwives What year are you in? second year Whats are your personal circumstances? i.e. married/kids/single etc married with 3-year-old What did you do before you became a student midwife? various jobs from supermarket work to manager, childminder and housewife/stay at home mum Why did you choose Midwifery? It was always a dream of mine. However I first worked with the elderly, then children. After having had my own child I trained as a breastfeeding peer supporter with Surestart and enjoyed working with pregnant women/new mums that I applied for the course How did you feel on your first day at uni and in practice? Nervous to say the least. Unsure if I could manage family and student life, finances etc. On placement I was worried about looking silly and being too quiet (I am naturally quiet). But also really proud to start living my dream. Please share a highlight of being on the course, so far... There have been so many highlights!!! Having the privilege to support a woman through her labour and witness the birth is one of the most amazing things. Please share a low point and how you got through that... Being involved in an emergency with a midwife I didn't know (my mentor was double booked and chose to work with the other student that day). I had only just started my second year and had no idea what was going on. So I stood in a corner trying not to stand in anyone's way. I also trapped my finger and made it bleed. Strangely it didn't hurt until everything had calmed down and I managed to sit down with the midwife who made sure I knew what had happened. For the following six months I thought of that shift every day whilst bruising came and went and my fingernail fell off and grew back. Do you prefer academic or clinical? definitely clinical although the academic is important to back up and explain what goes on in practice. Also think we should get a degree for the academic work instead of the diploma. What is your favourite midwifery text book? Myles (covers everything) and Oxford handbook of midwifery What is your favourite midwifery literature book? i.e. babycatcher. birth without violence (leboyer) What is your shift preference? earlies/lates/long days and what time to they start and finish long shifts, either days or nights but not mixed in one week as is happening at the moment. (7.15 til 7.45) Are you a member of a midwifery organisation? i.e RCM/ARM/LLL RCM Do you feel supported in practice? if yes/no please tell us why that is. mentors and personal teacher always helpful although continuity of mentorship would improve the placments a lot. Do you feel supported at Uni? if yes/no please tell us why that is. lecturers are supportive, some are more approachable than others. Do you prefer antenatal/intrapartum/postnatal? and why? prefer intrapartum but enjoy all of them, especially when it gets busy What are your future plans as a midwife? work in a stand alone midwife led unit, using complementary therapies and giving more one-to-one care Share your wisdom.... what would you like to pass on to other students/wanabes? for wanabes: go to open days, read journals, websites etc for background information. this is really useful for our personal statement and interview. also show how your experience and academic achievements are transferrable to midwifery. for students 1. prepare a quiet study corner, 2. ask friends and family for help (housework, shopping etc), 3. make sure you have a picture of yourself on the fridge so your family knows what you look like when you work several days in a row/hide in the study before a deadline. 4. share your feelings with your cohort; chances are they feel the same. 5. speak to your tutor if you need academic support. As adult learners they expect us to approach them. Most of all, enjoy the training. Time passes quickly. |
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11-Dec-2007, 20:03
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 Re: Interviews with Student Midwives What year are you in? Third Yay i made it. Whats are your personal circumstances? i.e. married/kids/single etc Single but with my gorgeous very supportive boyfriend. What did you do before you became a student midwife? I did my a levels at college. Why did you choose Midwifery? Because it was something i knew i just had to do i cant explain it but i knew in my heart it was what i was meant to do. How did you feel on your first day at uni and in practice? terrified, excited and nervous. Please share a highlight of being on the course, so far... I can't share just one because every day i meet so many amazing people with amazin stories to tell that i cant pick one. Please share a low point and how you got through that.... We had a maternal death on my last placament and although i wasn't directly involced it was auful. I ring my fella up and just cried i got through it by realising that there were other women and babies that day that needed me. you prefer academic or clinical? Clincal i love being out. What is your favourite midwifery text book? My Mayes is my bible. What is your favourite midwifery literature book? i.e. babycatcher. Babycatcher coz its just so good. What is your shift preference? earlies/lates/long days and what time to they start and finish I tend to do long days which start at 6 45 and finsih at 9. Are you a member of a midwifery organisation? i.e RCM/ARM/LLL The RCM. Do you feel supported in practice? if yes/no please tell us why that is. Ye the midiwves are all supportive. Do you feel supported at Uni? if yes/no please tell us why that is. Ye everyone helps each other. Do you prefer antenatal/intrapartum/postnatal? and why? My favourite is antenatal and intrapartum. Antenatal becuase i love talking to the women about their pregnancies and intrapartum beacuse i love the feeling of bringing new life into the world and being privilged to be involved in such an important moment in some ones life. What are your future plans as a midwife? Just to make a difference to at least one woman's birth expereince. hare your wisdom.... what would you like to pass on to other students/wanabes? Be prepared for hard work and to not have a life for 3 years, its a roller coaster ride that involved just as many highs as it does lows. keep smiling keep doing the best you can do and no one can put you down. Always remember u can do it it is possible.
__________________ Leah xx  |
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11-Dec-2007, 23:26
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| Re: Interviews with Student Midwives What year are you in? 3rd and final year. Whats are your personal circumstances? i.e. married/kids/single etc Married to Adrian for 20 years, 4 kids (18,16,15,13) and 1 grandchild. What did you do before you became a student midwife? Don't laugh - I was a hotel inspector and a mystery shopper. Why did you choose Midwifery? I did an NNEB course at college when I was 17. As part of that, I had a 2 week placement in a maternity hospital and witnessed several births - I knew straight away that I wanted to be a part of it. I can remember ringing my mum after witnessing my first birth and crying down the phone at how wonderful it was. How did you feel on your first day at uni and in practice? At Uni, I was very nervous, because of being an older student and not being particularly academic. In clinical practice I was really excited and couldn't wait to get my hands dirty 'so to speak'. Please share a highlight of being on the course, so far... Witnessing the miracle of childbirth!!! Having any of the families in your care tell you what a difference it made to their experience to have you with them - especially when things don't go according to plan. Please share a low point and how you got through that... My low points have all been due to family crisis, but when I have situations in practice that suddenly end up in an emergency or crash section, I find it helps to reflect personally and with colleagues to discuss the care until that point and what if anything we could have done differently to alter the outcome and then remember for that for future practice. Do you prefer academic or clinical? Clinical, but only because I find research and referencing too time consuming for the assignments we have to write (especially as I have mental health problems with one of kids). What is your favourite midwifery text book? Midwifery by Ten Teachers What is your favourite midwifery literature book? i.e. babycatcher. I too love "The light in the window" had me in tears several times. What is your shift preference? earlies/lates/long days and what time to they start and finish On delivery suite I love nights - not too many visitors, the phone isn't constantly ringing, doctors only come if we call them! Elsewhere, probably long days. All shifts are 12 1/2 hours, 07:45 - 20:15 or vice versa Are you a member of a midwifery organisation? i.e RCM/ARM/LLL RCM, ARM Do you feel supported in practice? if yes/no please tell us why that is. Overall yes, although I have had some problems getting my competences signed off due to my mentor not having enough time - I therefore have to return when I am not on shift to get it filled in. Do you feel supported at Uni? if yes/no please tell us why that is. I don't think it would be fair to comment (I still need to pass this years assignments!) Do you prefer antenatal/intrapartum/postnatal? and why? In community, I love antenatal clinics - just the fact that you can build up a relationship with the woman and her family. In the hospital, purely for the variety, I like intrapartum care. What are your future plans as a midwife?To continue to be 'with woman'. That may sound cheesy, but that is what this means. I would prefer to do it in community, but I can still do my best wherever I am placed. Share your wisdom.... what would you like to pass on to other students/wanabes? This course is one of the hardest things you will ever do in your life, but the blood, sweat and tears are all worth it. Be organised, listen to advice, don't become overconfident, enjoy learning from each and every new situation and above all else - remember to laugh at yourself. Remember too, that whatever you are feeling, you are not alone! |
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12-Dec-2007, 15:06
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| Re: Interviews with Student Midwives What year are you in? All of a sudden, I find myself in the 3rd year, being referred to as a "senior student"....how did that happen? Whats are your personal circumstances? i.e. married/kids/single etc Am married, 6th wedding anniversary in Feb. No kids yet, waiting to qualify. What did you do before you became a student midwife? I trained as a nanny when I was 20 and did that on and off for 10 years. I also ran a backpakcers hostel in NZ, worked for TNT backpacking magazine in Aussie, ran a couple of pubs and worked on a fruit and veg stall when I first came to England!! Why did you choose Midwifery? Have wanted to be a midwife since I was about 21, but if I had done it then I wouldn't have stuck to it. So, I did all my "20 something" stuff (travelled, got married and drank too much) and then got to 30 and thought lets go. No one specific reason for doing it, just seemed right. How did you feel on your first day at uni and in practice? First day at uni, quite apprenhensive. The others had had a pre-course day, but I was in Fiji when they did that. But everyone was lovely and felt exactly the same way. 1st day in practice, I was shitting myself, never been so nervous in my life!! Please share a highlight of being on the course, so far...Attending and delivering 10 babies at home, and counting!!! Please share a low point and how you got through that...Losing people from the course, it really sucks. But on the whole, my cohort are fantastic and offer a lot of support to each other. Do you prefer academic or clinical? Am more a hands on person myself, gimme pracical any day! What is your favourite midwifery text book? The oxford handbook of midwifery, its bloody spectacular! What is your favourite midwifery literature book? i.e. babycatcher. Call the midwife, don't ask me who its by don't have it handy!! What is your shift preference? earlies/lates/long days and what time to they start and finish Prefer an early shift, start at 7 and finish at 5. Lates are ok, start at 12 finish at 10 but nights suck! Are you a member of a midwifery organisation? i.e RCM/ARM/LLL Member of ARM, RCM Do you feel supported in practice? if yes/no please tell us why that is. Apart from recent "alternative" (don't even go there) placement, have had really wonderful mentorship. Love the community and my community mentor is fantastic. Have had a really hideous year within my personal life and she has been a star. Do you feel supported at Uni? if yes/no please tell us why that is. No, suddenly we are in the 3rd year and they don't give a damn about us Do you prefer antenatal/intrapartum/postnatal? and why? Intrpartum, just love it What are your future plans as a midwife? Would like to work in the community. I will go back to NZ one day and hopefully work as an independent there Share your wisdom.... what would you like to pass on to other students/wanabes? Be totally prepared for a real rollercoster ride. If you are like me, you'll beleive midwifery is all roses and wonderful and I 'll tell you the rose tinted specs come off really quick. It will be the most happy, sad, wonderful and terrifying expereince of your life. You'll make amazing friends through your training and they will be the most valuable asset at getting you through your training in one piece. But go for and good luck!! |
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06-Feb-2008, 11:15
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| Re: Interviews with Student Midwives These are such a cracking read keep 'em coming!
__________________ Josie StudentMidwife.NET Co-founder & Director
Last Blog Entry: Running a busy forum...in pyjamas. (01-Apr-2008) |
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| Essentials for new student midwives | nic4 | Student Midwife Discussion | 19 | 18-Feb-2008 18:09 |
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| Midwifery History and Interviews with Midwives | Josie | StudentMidwife.NET Announcements | 0 | 15-Nov-2007 22:32 |
| Hi to all the student midwives | midwifemissy | Student Midwife Discussion | 8 | 02-Nov-2007 21:07 |
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