Current student nurse - ask me anything (nursing and midwifery)

Hello, I’m currently in year 12 at sixth form and honestly barely know anything about uni :frown:

I have decided I want to study midwifery at university as I have wanted to do it for a while. Unfortunately I haven’t really made any other decisions (e.g - where I want to go, whether I should use halls of residence or commute) and don’t really know much else about uni. Have you got any basic advice / what to expect at uni (specifically for a midwifery degree ) since I really don’t know much? Also what would make my application look good? And what is the degree like (coursework/exam, how many essays, what are lectures like)? Also is it going to be more difficult for me as an introvert being at uni and in particular studying midwifery (as I’ve heard it requires a lot of confidence on placement etc) sorry for the long reply!!

Reply 2

OP

Original post by jordanxstrong

Hello, I’m currently in year 12 at sixth form and honestly barely know anything about uni :frown:

I have decided I want to study midwifery at university as I have wanted to do it for a while. Unfortunately I haven’t really made any other decisions (e.g - where I want to go, whether I should use halls of residence or commute) and don’t really know much else about uni. Have you got any basic advice / what to expect at uni (specifically for a midwifery degree ) since I really don’t know much? Also what would make my application look good? And what is the degree like (coursework/exam, how many essays, what are lectures like)? Also is it going to be more difficult for me as an introvert being at uni and in particular studying midwifery (as I’ve heard it requires a lot of confidence on placement etc) sorry for the long reply!!

Hey,
Well knowing you want to be a midwife is a good start! Okay so start off by thinking how far away from home you would be comfortable with being - do you drive or would you need to get a train or bus back home etc. Then you can do some research about the different uni’s that do midwifery within that distance. On UCAS search there’s a ‘map’ option where you can see the distances. After that, write down all the uni’s, the time it would take to travel there, and their entry requirements. Then cross off any of the uni’s where the entry requirements are too high.
I would definitely recommend halls of residence, it is a perfect place to meet people in a comfortable environment and gives you more independence. There is nothing wrong with commuting and you can always move back home in your second year but I would give halls a go if you can.
So the basic layout of uni is a move in day/weekend, followed by freshers week, then lectures start. A lot of uni’s structure their course differently but mine started with lectures from September to January focusing on nursing practice, anatomy and physiology, and basic skills (BP/temperature). For this I had 1 essay and 1 exam. Then placement started which for me is 8 weeks. Then its back to lectures. My advice for lectures is to try and write notes and organise those notes well (there should be a powerpoint for you to follow but write any extra info the lecturer says). Start revision as soon as you can as there's a lot to learn and they like to promote independent study. There's lots of support and resources for you so don’t worry. It can be very overwhelming at the start but remember that everyone is in the same boat and you will settle in soon.
To make your application look good I recommend getting some work experience, I did mine in a care home so it doesn’t need to be specifically course related but it helps if it's in a health care setting. You need to have a clear reason on why you want to study midwifery and why you’re a good candidate (e.g. communication/ team work/ caring attitude etc). Also make sure you’ve read up on things like the Nursing and Midwifery Code of Conduct as this is sometimes asked in interviews.
So assessments are different for each uni but for year 1 I have 2 essays, 1 exam, 1 group presentation, 2 placements (which are graded), and 1 drug calculation exam.
There are plenty of introverts who are amazing midwives and nurses, try your best to get involved in things but as long as you smile and listen you won’t have a problem. On your first placement, you will mostly be observing, make sure you listen and learn as they will want to know you’re paying attention. Also when they offer you to do somthing e.g. taking a blood pressure, say yes and try your best. If you don’t know what to do, say and they will help you, they're always there to guide you. I’ve had an amazing experience so far and you will too! Let me know if you have anymore questions :smile:

Reply 3

Wow thank you so much! Probably going to sleep now but I may be back on this thread to ask more questions in the near future. This was so helpful, thanks again!

Reply 4

OP

Original post by jordanxstrong

Wow thank you so much! Probably going to sleep now but I may be back on this thread to ask more questions in the near future. This was so helpful, thanks again!

You're welcome, good luck when applying!

Reply 5

nuha_ahmedd

5

Hi,
I have an interview coming up for Midwifery and was wondering if you could give some tips or general advice for the day. A lot of people say to look at current topics/issues to talk about but I don't exactly know what to look for so if you'd be able to give some guidance with that it would be really appreciated.

Thank you x

Original post by Flick_Wood

Hi, I'm a current student nurse at Southampton uni. Feel free to ask me any questions on applying, interviews, or what to expect at uni (exams/essays/placement)

Reply 6

OP

Original post by nuha_ahmedd

Hi,
I have an interview coming up for Midwifery and was wondering if you could give some tips or general advice for the day. A lot of people say to look at current topics/issues to talk about but I don't exactly know what to look for so if you'd be able to give some guidance with that it would be really appreciated.

Thank you x

Hi,
Congrats on your interview! Okay so make sure you're there early, bring everything they ask for, and dress smart (no jeans etc). Bring a note book and pen as they normally have an introduction where they give you key information about the course. If you can go to an open day that would be good, you'd then show extra interest (however this isn't needed - I didn't manage to go to many open days). A lot of uni's give you a maths and English test, the maths will be simple with a few conversions and the English will be checking your spelling, grammar and punctuation. They should tell you if there's a maths/English test but be prepared incase they don't. There are a few different ways interviews can be set out, some are in groups, others are individual. Most uni's ask similar style questions, some however ask a series of scenario questions where you need to describe how you would act in that situation. A few things you might want to be prepared for are:
- Why you want to be a midwife
- What would make you a good midwife (skills and attributes)
- Why that uni (make sure you know about their structure and entry requirements)
- Work experience you've had
- Current topics e.g. NHS cuts, any changes in the midwifery profession (have a look at the RCM for new reports or research studies) you only need about 2 or 3 ideas
- What you expect from being a student midwife (e.g. to learn as much as you can and gain essential skills etc)
- The role of a midwife
Be as confident as you can and make sure you get across how much you want to be a midwife :smile:

Good luck! x

Reply 7

nuha_ahmedd

5

Really helpful, Thank you! x

Original post by Flick_Wood

Hi,
Congrats on your interview! Okay so make sure you're there early, bring everything they ask for, and dress smart (no jeans etc). Bring a note book and pen as they normally have an introduction where they give you key information about the course. If you can go to an open day that would be good, you'd then show extra interest (however this isn't needed - I didn't manage to go to many open days). A lot of uni's give you a maths and English test, the maths will be simple with a few conversions and the English will be checking your spelling, grammar and punctuation. They should tell you if there's a maths/English test but be prepared incase they don't. There are a few different ways interviews can be set out, some are in groups, others are individual. Most uni's ask similar style questions, some however ask a series of scenario questions where you need to describe how you would act in that situation. A few things you might want to be prepared for are:
- Why you want to be a midwife
- What would make you a good midwife (skills and attributes)
- Why that uni (make sure you know about their structure and entry requirements)
- Work experience you've had
- Current topics e.g. NHS cuts, any changes in the midwifery profession (have a look at the RCM for new reports or research studies) you only need about 2 or 3 ideas
- What you expect from being a student midwife (e.g. to learn as much as you can and gain essential skills etc)
- The role of a midwife
Be as confident as you can and make sure you get across how much you want to be a midwife :smile:

Good luck! x

Reply 8

Hello, I’m back again :smile:

I have been thinking more about uni and watching some youtube videos on what to expect as a general student, I’m just wondering when you tend to do placements (eg do they last the whole year? Or whole 3 years? Etc) I’ve also heard that placements can be very tiring and often long shifts, does this put you at a social disadvantage to other students taking less demanding degrees? Does it mean you can go on less nights out / spend less time making friends because you’re often away from the uni on placement? Thanks.

Reply 9

Also - I’ve heard that nightlife and clubbing is a big part of uni (particularly in the first year) but in just wondering if this is only the case in freshers week/month or if it is a regular thing over the whole uni course?

Reply 10

kanna11

3

Original post by Flick_Wood

Hi, I'm a current student nurse at Southampton uni. Feel free to ask me any questions on applying, interviews, or what to expect at uni (exams/essays/placement)

Hi! You are exactly what I came here looking for!! I have a question: what is it like studying nursing at Southampton? Are you pushed a lot by your lecturers, do they have immensely high expectations and do you have a lot of free time? My choices were Bournemouth and Southampton, I have conditional offers from both but am unable to make up my mind. People have been telling me to go for Bournemouth as its more relaxed, whereas Southampton apparently push you further and like to maintain that they're in the top 3% worldwide. People have been saying because Southampton has the better reputation and I got in I should go for it. But others have been saying don't because they're incredibly strict. How is the course for you? And thank you so much for doing this xx

Reply 11

A.Abegunde

2

How is the course structured lecture and placement wise like is it monday to friday only or is it like 3 times a week ect ?

Reply 12

a.evans38

2

Hi, I'm currently in year 12 and am thinking about going to uni, I'm considering nursing and midwifery and very interested in both and don't know how to choose which one i want to study?
Ive heard from some student nurses that there isn't a lot of patient contact and its mainly paperwork however, i really want to spend my time with the patients. As I'm welsh and currently they are still providing the grants for studying in Wales thats what i plan to do.
Any help or advice would be great :smile:

Reply 13

OP

Original post by jordanxstrong

Hello, I’m back again :smile:

I have been thinking more about uni and watching some youtube videos on what to expect as a general student, I’m just wondering when you tend to do placements (eg do they last the whole year? Or whole 3 years? Etc) I’ve also heard that placements can be very tiring and often long shifts, does this put you at a social disadvantage to other students taking less demanding degrees? Does it mean you can go on less nights out / spend less time making friends because you’re often away from the uni on placement? Thanks.

Hi again

Course structure will be different depending on the uni you go to. Southampton uni structure it - lectures, placement, lectures, placement etc. So lectures were September to January focusing on nursing practice, anatomy and physiology, and basic skills (BP/temperature). Then 8 weeks of placement. Then back to lectures focusing further on nursing practices. Then in June, placement 2 will begin. You have a total of 6 placements, 2 each year. You have plenty of time to settle in, socialise and go on nights out during lectures and then during placement you either have 5 short days a week (leaving you time in the afternoon/evening to go out shopping or dinner or meet friends etc) or 3 long days a week (leaving you plenty of days off to do other things). Everyone in my year has managed to still be sociable and go clubbing etc during placement, its just like having a normal job. We haven't even noticed that much when other students have long holidays because everyone on your course is in the same position, you're not on your own at all. Placements are tiring but its nothing you can't cope with, the nurses/midwives are very understandable that you're new and haven't worked long hours before and they often let you go a little early if you need to catch a bus or if you're on a long day the next day. You'll be fine and it'll fly by. Definitely enjoy it and do as much as you can while you're there.

Reply 14

OP

Original post by jordanxstrong

Also - I’ve heard that nightlife and clubbing is a big part of uni (particularly in the first year) but in just wondering if this is only the case in freshers week/month or if it is a regular thing over the whole uni course?

Haha clubbing in a city is really good, I come from a small village so it was amazing for me. And no, they do events all throughout the year, student night once a week and even if you go clubbing on a normal day it'll be good.

Reply 15

OP

Original post by kanna11

Hi! You are exactly what I came here looking for!! I have a question: what is it like studying nursing at Southampton? Are you pushed a lot by your lecturers, do they have immensely high expectations and do you have a lot of free time? My choices were Bournemouth and Southampton, I have conditional offers from both but am unable to make up my mind. People have been telling me to go for Bournemouth as its more relaxed, whereas Southampton apparently push you further and like to maintain that they're in the top 3% worldwide. People have been saying because Southampton has the better reputation and I got in I should go for it. But others have been saying don't because they're incredibly strict. How is the course for you? And thank you so much for doing this xx

Hi, I'm glad I can help!

Nursing in Southampton is amazing, the city is lovely and the hospitals around are really good too. So my first few months were a breeze, you have maybe 2 lectures a week and the rest is free time to settle in, make friends, explore the uni and city etc. It then gets more serious around exam time and placements but its never stressful and as long as you're organised you'll be fine. I still have plenty of time to do things I want and it's surprising how much time off you actually get (nothing like other subjects but its enough). The lecturers promote a lot of independent study so don't push you in the way teachers do - it's like, if you don't do the work it's your own fault and you won't get the degree, simple as that. There's a website called blackboard where all the resources are kept and you go through the powerpoint and workbooks in your own time and do practice tests to help you for your exam. You have a personal tutor that is your point of call for any help you need, you'll have meetings with them to check you're okay with the work and you'll have seminars where each person researches a question and then you all discuss it in a group (e.g. I was given a question 'what is a needle stick injury', I then had to research this - it doesn't count towards anything but the topics may come up in the exam). Oh I was in the same position, Bournemouth Vs Southampton...I obviously don't know what Bournemouth is like but I'm so happy I chose Southampton, I love it. I've never experienced pushiness at Southampton, nor has anyone I know, they're really lovely, help with any of your problems, I would totally recommend :smile:

Reply 16

OP

Original post by A.Abegunde

How is the course structured lecture and placement wise like is it monday to friday only or is it like 3 times a week ect ?

Course structure will be different depending on the uni you go to. Southampton uni structure it - lectures, placement, lectures, placement etc. So lectures were September to January, then 8 weeks of placement, then back to lectures, and in June, placement 2 will begin. You have a total of 6 placements, 2 each year. At Southampton, you either have 5 short days a week or 3 long days a week - about 37.5 hours a week. You might work nights, weekends or weekdays it depends. If you're on a community placement you'll most likely do Monday to Friday but it's not always that way. If you're on a ward placement, you'll do a bit of everything.

Reply 17

OP

Original post by a.evans38

Hi, I'm currently in year 12 and am thinking about going to uni, I'm considering nursing and midwifery and very interested in both and don't know how to choose which one i want to study?
Ive heard from some student nurses that there isn't a lot of patient contact and its mainly paperwork however, i really want to spend my time with the patients. As I'm welsh and currently they are still providing the grants for studying in Wales thats what i plan to do.
Any help or advice would be great :smile:

Hi

I had the same decision, I originally applied for midwifery but changed to child nursing. My reason was because I wanted to work with babies more than mothers. You can do a pro and con list of both courses...focus on what age group you would like to work with the most - in midwifery, its all about the mother, child nursing is about the baby/child, adult nursing is again about adults/elderly.

I wouldn't listen to everything you hear, a lot of people have different experiences and yours will never be the same as someone else. From my experience its total patient contact...it does depend on your placement setting of course (e.g. if you're in a surgical placement, you may only observe because you can't do the surgery, but thats no the case with any other placement). It all depends on the student too (how prepared you are to get involved), theres always a chance to talk to patients, student nurses often do obs (blood pressure, temperature, respiratory rate etc) so this is your chance to make conversation. My first placement was in a neonatal unit and the nurses let me do loads, I was always changing nappies, taking obs, feeding, talking to parents etc. The job is basically patient contact, you need to get your head around obs charts and be able to fill them out because that is another part of the job but it most definitely doesn't take up all your time.

Reply 18