I’m applying for midwifery next September and just need to talk about it. One minute I’m feeling hopeful and the next I’m filled with self doubt. Can anyone offer any words of comfort or advice?
Background info;
I’ll be 30 when I start, I have 2 children who will be 2 and almost 4 when I start the degree.
My background is nursing, I worked as a HCA for 3.5yrs, then did a Foundation Degree apprenticeship as a Nursing Associate, this took 2.5yrs in the end due to a break during Covid year. Since then I’ve been a Registered Nursing Associate, now almost 4yrs.
Since I’ve had my children I have developed a strong interest in all things pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, postpartum and beyond. In my first maternity leave I didn’t know what this meant but I knew my career was going to make a change and I knew I wanted to improve my ability to ‘support’ so did a level 2 in counselling and a level 2 mental health first aid. During my second pregnancy I trained as a level 2 breastfeeding helper and am currently doing level 3 breastfeeding peer support training which will enable me to work on the National Breastfeeding Helpline. Earlier this year I trained as a doula as a way to further enhance my knowledge and experience and help me start up supporting parents in a way that made most sense to me at that time, knowing the experience would help me further decide where my future career was headed. My favourite thing at this stage was talking parents about birth options they didn’t know they might have, and simple changes to improve their births; think having skin to skin in after a c section, drapes dropped, telemetry, active birthing positions, understanding rights, signposting to appropriate maternity staff if they wanted something outside guidelines. I’m also currently gradually getting through a hypnobirthing course. My passion effectively is empowering parents and hoping to help reduce chance of trauma.
So all of that being said, onto the negative bit which I’m worried will hold me back;
During my college years I was struggling significantly with my mental health, as a result I never completed my A levels. I got C, D, E during AS levels and failed the second year. I have already called the university and had confirmation they will consider me because I have the Foundation Degree and I do have good GCSEs, but I’m really worried my lack of A levels is going to hold me back.
Also important to mention, I’m applying to 2 local universities. My main choice is where I did my Nursing FdSc Degree. My tutor from that Nursing FdSc Degree has also agreed to be my reference, she still works there. At the beginning of that course I was contacted by said tutor as I had been put forward for a ‘high achiever’ thing. I can’t remember what it was, Covid interfered! But I’m hoping this all helps with my chances.
Realistically, what are my chances? Are my lack of A Levels going to go against me?
Thanks all