How does it run?

I have just 12 weeks left.  This is an incredible thought.  I have just found out I have a job and next week we should be getting our results of our dissertation.  Eeek, reality is setting in.

Many university courses have already finished for the summer, final exams are being sat and third year students are packing up their things and going home for the last time.  The midwifery course is slightly different however.

but not for the midwifery students!

It was quite a shock to discover that I wouldn’t be getting the three month break that most students enjoy.  It does make sense though – we are training for a profession which has to be available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Typically, my week is split 50% practice, 50% university study.  Instead of having blocks of 6 weeks spent in university, followed by 10 weeks in practice like some universities do, we have always had three shifts of work a week and one day in university.  I have personally found this very helpful as it means I can immediately put theory into practice.  I just know I would forget what a pregnant woman looks like if I hadn’t been at work for 6 weeks – it's bad enough coming back after two weeks of annual leave at Christmas!

Our theoretical teaching takes many forms.  We have the traditional lectures, which are like classes at school or college, but we also have seminars which are smaller group discussions about a particular topic.  As so much of what we need to learn is practical, we often have sessions in the simulation labs in which we can practice our clinical skills in a safe environment.  They are fantastically well equipped; we even have mannequins which breathe and blink! 

Fantastic facilities

There are also self-directed study days, and practice based study days run by our practice educators.

There are also many different types of assessments both in theory and practice.  We have essays, written exams, VIVAs (a spoken exam), OSCEs (a practical exam), presentations, case studies and practice assessments.  We also have a checklist of clinical skills which we need to be ‘signed off’ as competent at. 

There is a lot to think about and keep on top off throughout the training, but this is reflective of the responsibility that is involved with the role.  We are encouraged to attend clinical governance meetings and participate in audits, which are all part of the midwife’s role and something which we will need to do when we are qualified.

Another fantastic opportunity we have is the University's annual midwifery conference.  In previous years this has focused on topics such as cultural diversity and sensitivity in midwifery and communication.  I have also attended conferences run by the Royal College of Midwives which has increased my knowledge base and introduced me to a wide range of midwifery specialities.

I have found the teaching to be excellent throughout my course – the lecturers are supportive, passionate and knowledgeable and I feel fantastically prepared to enter the working world of midwifery.  See you next week!

What a week!

Hi people! :)

How are things your end? Any news?

I have not been into university since last week on Thursday as am currently on study leave. A number of students have already had their OSCE assessment on Tuesday just gone with mine coming up next Tuesday. Have managed to write up all of my notes including the order of the assessment, and over the next few days will be swatting up on my drugs knowledge and conditions that may come up in the exam. Arghh!

In other news, I was away in Somerset Monday-Wednesday this week for the recruitment day I had previously mentioned here. I made sure I had my portfolio with me (just in case), and notes around the Trust as potential conversation starters. Despite the advert on NHS Jobs stating it was a recruitment day to meet potential employers etc, I arrived only to find that the day had changed and it was now for those due to qualify who had filled out an application previously and been shortlisted. I don't quite know how I managed it, but I explained the situation and was told that I would be able to join in with the group assessments but the likelihood of an interview that afternoon may not be possible.

I snuck onto a table with around eleven other candidates. At each corner was an assessor making notes on each of us. We were asked to reflect on a variety of photographs a stories of varied individuals who we may come into contact with. Following this, I was able to complete a very speedy application form on the short break, along with ringing my partner who was still sat in the carpark assuming I would only be an hour maximum!

After a question and answer session with various members of the Trust, we broke for lunch and were told interview times were available at the desk. I went over to check just in case they were able to squeeze me in and yes, an interview time was set!

I must mention at this point I was a combination of both anxiety and elation.Happy as I would be able to attend the interview there and then without trying to juggle time out of placement to get down there again for another day, but rather nervous due to the fact I had not prepared as I usually would. If I had known in advance I would be interviewed, I would have run through some previous placement scenarios that I could use in response to interview questions such as, 'name a time when...'. I also would have dressed differently! I was in a tidy dress with heels, but I had set aside money to invest in a good interview outfit, but too late now!

I was interviewed by two members of the Trust. Afterwards I reflected on the interview; I had answered all of the questions and felt that I had built a good rapport with both interviewers. There was no more I could do but wait, but I had this Trust down as my number one choice for location to where I would be living and opportunities.

On the Wednesday I waved goodbye to my partner at the station and started my 4hr train journey home. As I sat myself down on the second train, my phone lit up, ringing with a private number. As I answered, the train conductor pointed to a sign that I was in a quiet cabin and mobile phones were not to be used. Nooo! As the lady on the phone introduced herself, I explained that unfortunately I would be unable to talk due to being on the train and could I call her back. I felt embarrassed for the situation. Instead, she said I could listen and she could do the talking, followed by informing me that they had been very impressed with me and would like to offer me a job!

Sorry, but my reaction (in my head of course) was Arrrghhhh!!!!

I quickly jotted her number down to discuss the offer further when I was home. I messaged my partner who was equally Arrrggghhh (meant our 2 1/2 yrs of counting down to potentially moving in together and life by the seaside could actually happen!) and sat grinning to myself.

I phoned the lady back yesterday morning and due to the Trust recruiting a number of potential candidates was asked to let her know my areas of interest in terms of work and locations I find preferable to commute to. For now though, I am quite content knowing that my offer of employment is in the post, and that in 7months I will be working...somewhere.

In terms of other students in my class-some have started applying for various roles, and some are waiting for the Bedfordshire open day next month to see what is on offer. If it weren't for my partner, I would most likely stay in this area as the hospital I have placements is lovely with various opportunities popping up, it's just a shame it isn't in the right location! I will most likely still attend the careers open day as the university will be holding preparation sessions on what to expect as a newly-qualified nurse and various other talks which I think will be beneficial.

For now though, a weight has been lifted. I now need to keep my head down and get through the next four and a bit months of assessments and placement and get my qualification to release me into the world of nursing!

Very happy me at the moment :)