For those of you who are MCAs....

appletree · #1 (**permalink**) 27-Sep-2008, 08:58

Hi all!

Just wanted to ask those of you who are/ have been MCAs, what are your shifts like? The position I have gone for is 30 hours a week, and you rotate round wards, it includes a night shift. Have you any idea how this would work out? I know hospitals are all different, but be good to get an idea!

Also, I need some help for my interview!!! Anyone have any good questions I can ask? (besides what are the shifts like!!

) Or any good tips!? How smart do you think I need to dress? Do you think a fitted shirt and skirt will be ok as since having the babies I have very few smart clothes that fit!!!!

Am getting nervous, and its not til 7th Oct!!

Thanks!

x x x

goddessmomma · #2 (**permalink**) 27-Sep-2008, 09:14

Hiya Hun ;0) I know the feeling about clothes that fit or not as the case may be!!! Sorry I haven't got any info about the shifts. I've been looking for an MCA job but nothing up here as yet. Just wanted to wish you luck for your interview. Clothes wise, as what to wear, something that you are comfortable in is important. There is no point wearing an outfit that you wouldn't normally because you will feel so awkward and uncomfortable the whole time; you just wouldn't be able to relax. I've heard they sometimes do team building exercises or group work to see how you interactive with others so something that's not too tight either. Good luck hun. You'll do grand and I look forward to hearing that in a funny sort of way you actually enjoyed your interview!! Doubt me not ;0) haha Big hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

midwifemissy · #3 (**permalink**) 27-Sep-2008, 09:27

Hi,

I also would opt for something you feel comfortable wearing for your interview, there is no point being really smart but really uncomfortable the whole time.

When I had my interview for a trainee clinical support worker position, I asked them if there was the opportunity to progress in the role, what training courses would I be able to go on, and what support was available to me.

I worked early shifts which were 7:30am -3pm, late shifts which I think were 2pm - 9:30pm, and we also had to do nights, although I wasn't there long enough to actually do any.

Hope that helps a bit. Good luck, make sure you have eye contact with the interviewers, smile, and take a minute or two to think about the question before you answer. Also, if you aren't sure what they are asking you, say so and ask them to repeat it, they will be happy to do that, and make sure you understand what the role of the mca is, you are there to support the midwives, women and families etc.

Freefall · #4 (**permalink**) 27-Sep-2008, 11:34

When I was an MCA we did 12 hour shifts, so either a long day or a night shift. Depends on the hospital you will be working at.

curlystraightwhatever · #5 (**permalink**) 28-Sep-2008, 15:54

I worked as an MCA before starting at university, and sometimes still do the odd bank shift for some pennies!

At my interview, they asked me things like:

why i wanted to be an MCA
What i understood the role of an mca to be
my attributes/weaknesses
transferable skills I already have
What i have done previously

I asked them whether there was an opportunity for further training in the role, or career progression stemming from an MCA role. I also asked how many MCA they currently had, and what different areas i would be working in and for how long in each one etc.

Our role is to support women and their families, by assisting midwives with their role as asked and providing nutrition and assisting with hygiene etc. We also stock up the wards, clean beds/rooms and make them up again and stock the cupboards. We help teach skills to new parents, such as bathing, dressing baby and nappy changes. Some administrative duties, fetching notes etc. But most importantly, providing support to women!

good luck, i'm sure you'll be fine! let us know how you get on hun.

If it's any help I wore black trousers and a blue fitted top type thing.

xxx

appletree · #6 (**permalink**) 28-Sep-2008, 18:43

Thanks ladies! I think I will opt for my skirt and shirt option, as I feel I look nice in it, which is half the battle - a little bit of confidence! I am hoping that day will be cold so I can wear some thick black tights to cover my pale legs!!

A part of me is desperate to get to the 7th and tell them how much I want this job now, despite the nerves! Besides getting a few good questions/answers in my head ready, I am hoping that they will just see my keen-ness! (is that a word?!) every interview I have been to before I have not been very interested in the product/service of the company, this time I have some genuine enthusiasm, and hoping this will carry me some way towards it!!

Thanks ladies!
x x x

crazychick · #7 (**permalink**) 29-Sep-2008, 09:46

Hi Appletree

I don't know if you were planning to, but I wouldn't mention in the interview that you are applying for your midwifery training. I was an MCA and was told by an insider not to mention that at all. Also, they asked me a few scenario questions such as:

If you were in theatre as a runner during a c-section and the husband fainted, what would you do?

The obvious answer would be to go to him and help him, but no the answer I was told to give was, ask the consultant if you are able to help him. At the end of the day you are there to assist the consultant, midwives and your priority is the mother.

You have a phone call from the boyfriend of one of the mums on the ward asking how she is, what do you say?

I had 4 scenario questions all in all, most were common sense answers.

Good luck!!