My typical week as a 3rd year student Midwife – expectations vs. reality
Before I started the midwifery course, I expected it to be mostly focused on learning clinical skills. I imagined spending most of the time in hospitals, supporting women during labour. While these are a part of my learning schedule, the course is far more diverse and academically demanding than I anticipated. There’s a strong emphasis on theory, evidence-based practice, research, and public health.
Being a student midwife is a mix of classroom learning, online lessons, practical skills and placements.
Here’s what a typical week looks like for me:
Monday: On-Campus Learning
Morning: Lectures covering topics like anatomy, physiology, maternal health and public health Afternoon: Skills workshop in simulation labs; practically demonstrating procedures during emergencies in preparation for OSCEs
Tuesday: On campus Learning
Morning: Lecture where we discuss case studies, demonstrated critical thinking skills regarding research articles
Afternoon: Lecture where we discuss Maternal health disparities and interpreting CTGs (a skill you will learn/ be introduced to once you enter placement)
Wednesday: Guided study
You organise your study session (you are not required to be on campus) around the module allocated to be studied on your Kingston Uni timetable app. That may be newly added work to complete or just rehashing past content.
Thursday: Online lessons
Morning/Afternoon: Online lectures and interactive sessions. We usually are taught new theory and or reflect on learning during placement and where support can be given to help us as students.
Friday: On campus
Morning/afternoon: More Lectures linking theory to another module to delve deeper into content.
Drop-in sessions for clinical skills that you feel you need to revisit/strengthen in.
During placement blocks my timetable looks very different. I am doing 12.5-hour shifts within hospital settings or community settings, where you will gain real life experience caring for mothers and infants.
What were your expectations when you started your course? Are they much different than what you thought? Which part of being a student midwife do you think you’d enjoy most?
Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
Being a student midwife is a mix of classroom learning, online lessons, practical skills and placements.
Here’s what a typical week looks like for me:
Monday: On-Campus Learning
Morning: Lectures covering topics like anatomy, physiology, maternal health and public health Afternoon: Skills workshop in simulation labs; practically demonstrating procedures during emergencies in preparation for OSCEs
Tuesday: On campus Learning
Morning: Lecture where we discuss case studies, demonstrated critical thinking skills regarding research articles
Afternoon: Lecture where we discuss Maternal health disparities and interpreting CTGs (a skill you will learn/ be introduced to once you enter placement)
Wednesday: Guided study
You organise your study session (you are not required to be on campus) around the module allocated to be studied on your Kingston Uni timetable app. That may be newly added work to complete or just rehashing past content.
Thursday: Online lessons
Morning/Afternoon: Online lectures and interactive sessions. We usually are taught new theory and or reflect on learning during placement and where support can be given to help us as students.
Friday: On campus
Morning/afternoon: More Lectures linking theory to another module to delve deeper into content.
Drop-in sessions for clinical skills that you feel you need to revisit/strengthen in.
During placement blocks my timetable looks very different. I am doing 12.5-hour shifts within hospital settings or community settings, where you will gain real life experience caring for mothers and infants.
What were your expectations when you started your course? Are they much different than what you thought? Which part of being a student midwife do you think you’d enjoy most?
Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 1
Original post
by Kingston TrenyceBefore I started the midwifery course, I expected it to be mostly focused on learning clinical skills. I imagined spending most of the time in hospitals, supporting women during labour. While these are a part of my learning schedule, the course is far more diverse and academically demanding than I anticipated. There’s a strong emphasis on theory, evidence-based practice, research, and public health.
Being a student midwife is a mix of classroom learning, online lessons, practical skills and placements.
Here’s what a typical week looks like for me:
Monday: On-Campus Learning
Morning: Lectures covering topics like anatomy, physiology, maternal health and public health Afternoon: Skills workshop in simulation labs; practically demonstrating procedures during emergencies in preparation for OSCEs
Tuesday: On campus Learning
Morning: Lecture where we discuss case studies, demonstrated critical thinking skills regarding research articles
Afternoon: Lecture where we discuss Maternal health disparities and interpreting CTGs (a skill you will learn/ be introduced to once you enter placement)
Wednesday: Guided study
You organise your study session (you are not required to be on campus) around the module allocated to be studied on your Kingston Uni timetable app. That may be newly added work to complete or just rehashing past content.
Thursday: Online lessons
Morning/Afternoon: Online lectures and interactive sessions. We usually are taught new theory and or reflect on learning during placement and where support can be given to help us as students.
Friday: On campus
Morning/afternoon: More Lectures linking theory to another module to delve deeper into content.
Drop-in sessions for clinical skills that you feel you need to revisit/strengthen in.
During placement blocks my timetable looks very different. I am doing 12.5-hour shifts within hospital settings or community settings, where you will gain real life experience caring for mothers and infants.
What were your expectations when you started your course? Are they much different than what you thought? Which part of being a student midwife do you think you’d enjoy most?
Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
Being a student midwife is a mix of classroom learning, online lessons, practical skills and placements.
Here’s what a typical week looks like for me:
Monday: On-Campus Learning
Morning: Lectures covering topics like anatomy, physiology, maternal health and public health Afternoon: Skills workshop in simulation labs; practically demonstrating procedures during emergencies in preparation for OSCEs
Tuesday: On campus Learning
Morning: Lecture where we discuss case studies, demonstrated critical thinking skills regarding research articles
Afternoon: Lecture where we discuss Maternal health disparities and interpreting CTGs (a skill you will learn/ be introduced to once you enter placement)
Wednesday: Guided study
You organise your study session (you are not required to be on campus) around the module allocated to be studied on your Kingston Uni timetable app. That may be newly added work to complete or just rehashing past content.
Thursday: Online lessons
Morning/Afternoon: Online lectures and interactive sessions. We usually are taught new theory and or reflect on learning during placement and where support can be given to help us as students.
Friday: On campus
Morning/afternoon: More Lectures linking theory to another module to delve deeper into content.
Drop-in sessions for clinical skills that you feel you need to revisit/strengthen in.
During placement blocks my timetable looks very different. I am doing 12.5-hour shifts within hospital settings or community settings, where you will gain real life experience caring for mothers and infants.
What were your expectations when you started your course? Are they much different than what you thought? Which part of being a student midwife do you think you’d enjoy most?
Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
Hi I’m a first year student midwife, and I’m starting placement soon. What would you recommend for me to take on placement? And what advice? I am very very nervous.
Reply 2
You must make sure you focus on learning the academic side of the job as far as you can and use it to support you and your learning in the clinical aspect of it. Yes, there will be evidence based practice and public health because you need to understand what conventional practices look like and why they are used, why guidelines exist and what shaped them.
Being a midwife is a very big deal. If there is one aspect of healthcare that puts the wind up me it is Obstetrics. It is very different medicine to any other aspect of healthcare. It is also something very very few members of the public have much experience of. Hospitals alone are big scary places. If you're young and otherwise healthy it's reasonable to assume you will not have spent much time there and that's doubly true for any aspect of care a midwife might be involved in. So it's a good thing you're slightly apprehensive about placement, I would be too. In fact, I'd be a little concerned if someone wasn't at all concerned about the prospect of being involved in that kind of care.
However, you can absolutely manage this. You're a student midwife: you absolutely are expected to be there to learn and not be burdened with responsibility- that all comes much later otherwise it will just detract from your learning. Over time you will be exposed to more and more cases and you'll start to understand what normal practice looks like and what a normal or expected pregnancy and birth will feel like. Over time you will also grow your confidence, your skills and acumen and learn to be able to detect and manage any patient that feels outside of that envelope of normality and what to do about it. You're going to learn a lot of cool and interesting stuff and use that knowledge to help people: your patients.
And in tandem with newly qualified doctors, nurses and the like, no one is going to expect perfection on day 1 even after you're qualified. This isn't a job: it's a vocation.
Being a midwife is a very big deal. If there is one aspect of healthcare that puts the wind up me it is Obstetrics. It is very different medicine to any other aspect of healthcare. It is also something very very few members of the public have much experience of. Hospitals alone are big scary places. If you're young and otherwise healthy it's reasonable to assume you will not have spent much time there and that's doubly true for any aspect of care a midwife might be involved in. So it's a good thing you're slightly apprehensive about placement, I would be too. In fact, I'd be a little concerned if someone wasn't at all concerned about the prospect of being involved in that kind of care.
However, you can absolutely manage this. You're a student midwife: you absolutely are expected to be there to learn and not be burdened with responsibility- that all comes much later otherwise it will just detract from your learning. Over time you will be exposed to more and more cases and you'll start to understand what normal practice looks like and what a normal or expected pregnancy and birth will feel like. Over time you will also grow your confidence, your skills and acumen and learn to be able to detect and manage any patient that feels outside of that envelope of normality and what to do about it. You're going to learn a lot of cool and interesting stuff and use that knowledge to help people: your patients.
And in tandem with newly qualified doctors, nurses and the like, no one is going to expect perfection on day 1 even after you're qualified. This isn't a job: it's a vocation.
Reply 3
Original post
by Kingston TrenyceBefore I started the midwifery course, I expected it to be mostly focused on learning clinical skills. I imagined spending most of the time in hospitals, supporting women during labour. While these are a part of my learning schedule, the course is far more diverse and academically demanding than I anticipated. There’s a strong emphasis on theory, evidence-based practice, research, and public health.
Being a student midwife is a mix of classroom learning, online lessons, practical skills and placements.
Here’s what a typical week looks like for me:
Monday: On-Campus Learning
Morning: Lectures covering topics like anatomy, physiology, maternal health and public health Afternoon: Skills workshop in simulation labs; practically demonstrating procedures during emergencies in preparation for OSCEs
Tuesday: On campus Learning
Morning: Lecture where we discuss case studies, demonstrated critical thinking skills regarding research articles
Afternoon: Lecture where we discuss Maternal health disparities and interpreting CTGs (a skill you will learn/ be introduced to once you enter placement)
Wednesday: Guided study
You organise your study session (you are not required to be on campus) around the module allocated to be studied on your Kingston Uni timetable app. That may be newly added work to complete or just rehashing past content.
Thursday: Online lessons
Morning/Afternoon: Online lectures and interactive sessions. We usually are taught new theory and or reflect on learning during placement and where support can be given to help us as students.
Friday: On campus
Morning/afternoon: More Lectures linking theory to another module to delve deeper into content.
Drop-in sessions for clinical skills that you feel you need to revisit/strengthen in.
During placement blocks my timetable looks very different. I am doing 12.5-hour shifts within hospital settings or community settings, where you will gain real life experience caring for mothers and infants.
What were your expectations when you started your course? Are they much different than what you thought? Which part of being a student midwife do you think you’d enjoy most?
Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
Being a student midwife is a mix of classroom learning, online lessons, practical skills and placements.
Here’s what a typical week looks like for me:
Monday: On-Campus Learning
Morning: Lectures covering topics like anatomy, physiology, maternal health and public health Afternoon: Skills workshop in simulation labs; practically demonstrating procedures during emergencies in preparation for OSCEs
Tuesday: On campus Learning
Morning: Lecture where we discuss case studies, demonstrated critical thinking skills regarding research articles
Afternoon: Lecture where we discuss Maternal health disparities and interpreting CTGs (a skill you will learn/ be introduced to once you enter placement)
Wednesday: Guided study
You organise your study session (you are not required to be on campus) around the module allocated to be studied on your Kingston Uni timetable app. That may be newly added work to complete or just rehashing past content.
Thursday: Online lessons
Morning/Afternoon: Online lectures and interactive sessions. We usually are taught new theory and or reflect on learning during placement and where support can be given to help us as students.
Friday: On campus
Morning/afternoon: More Lectures linking theory to another module to delve deeper into content.
Drop-in sessions for clinical skills that you feel you need to revisit/strengthen in.
During placement blocks my timetable looks very different. I am doing 12.5-hour shifts within hospital settings or community settings, where you will gain real life experience caring for mothers and infants.
What were your expectations when you started your course? Are they much different than what you thought? Which part of being a student midwife do you think you’d enjoy most?
Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
Hey!
I'm due to start my PGDip Midwifery course in January. Please may you share your second / third year timetable if you have it by any chance, would be much appreciated!
Reply 4
Original post
by StudentmidwifemHi I’m a first year student midwife, and I’m starting placement soon. What would you recommend for me to take on placement? And what advice? I am very very nervous.
Hey!
I'm due to start my PGDip Midwifery course in January. Please may you share your timetable if possible, would be much appreciated!
Reply 5
Original post
by StudentmidwifemHi I’m a first year student midwife, and I’m starting placement soon. What would you recommend for me to take on placement? And what advice? I am very very nervous.
You will find your rhythm as you navigate placement as a whole Tips I would give
Good mentors love questions, it shows you are interested and it will help with your understanding, be as proactive as possible you are first year so take it step by step but at the very least be keen to observe and try skills, look after yourself try not to neglect your social life, placement can become consuming emotionally and mentally.
Things I would advise you to take to placement would be:
•
Pocket sized Notepad (for jotting down abbreviations, procedures, information you need for your Epad + LOTS of pens (you are more than likely to loose pens so just have extras)
•
Fob watch
•
comfortable shoes I would recommend sketchers, they're very comfortable
•
Water bottle, staying hydrated makes a huge difference
Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
Reply 6
Original post
by Kingston TrenyceBefore I started the midwifery course, I expected it to be mostly focused on learning clinical skills. I imagined spending most of the time in hospitals, supporting women during labour. While these are a part of my learning schedule, the course is far more diverse and academically demanding than I anticipated. There’s a strong emphasis on theory, evidence-based practice, research, and public health.
Being a student midwife is a mix of classroom learning, online lessons, practical skills and placements.
Here’s what a typical week looks like for me:
Monday: On-Campus Learning
Morning: Lectures covering topics like anatomy, physiology, maternal health and public health Afternoon: Skills workshop in simulation labs; practically demonstrating procedures during emergencies in preparation for OSCEs
Tuesday: On campus Learning
Morning: Lecture where we discuss case studies, demonstrated critical thinking skills regarding research articles
Afternoon: Lecture where we discuss Maternal health disparities and interpreting CTGs (a skill you will learn/ be introduced to once you enter placement)
Wednesday: Guided study
You organise your study session (you are not required to be on campus) around the module allocated to be studied on your Kingston Uni timetable app. That may be newly added work to complete or just rehashing past content.
Thursday: Online lessons
Morning/Afternoon: Online lectures and interactive sessions. We usually are taught new theory and or reflect on learning during placement and where support can be given to help us as students.
Friday: On campus
Morning/afternoon: More Lectures linking theory to another module to delve deeper into content.
Drop-in sessions for clinical skills that you feel you need to revisit/strengthen in.
During placement blocks my timetable looks very different. I am doing 12.5-hour shifts within hospital settings or community settings, where you will gain real life experience caring for mothers and infants.
What were your expectations when you started your course? Are they much different than what you thought? Which part of being a student midwife do you think you’d enjoy most?
Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
Being a student midwife is a mix of classroom learning, online lessons, practical skills and placements.
Here’s what a typical week looks like for me:
Monday: On-Campus Learning
Morning: Lectures covering topics like anatomy, physiology, maternal health and public health Afternoon: Skills workshop in simulation labs; practically demonstrating procedures during emergencies in preparation for OSCEs
Tuesday: On campus Learning
Morning: Lecture where we discuss case studies, demonstrated critical thinking skills regarding research articles
Afternoon: Lecture where we discuss Maternal health disparities and interpreting CTGs (a skill you will learn/ be introduced to once you enter placement)
Wednesday: Guided study
You organise your study session (you are not required to be on campus) around the module allocated to be studied on your Kingston Uni timetable app. That may be newly added work to complete or just rehashing past content.
Thursday: Online lessons
Morning/Afternoon: Online lectures and interactive sessions. We usually are taught new theory and or reflect on learning during placement and where support can be given to help us as students.
Friday: On campus
Morning/afternoon: More Lectures linking theory to another module to delve deeper into content.
Drop-in sessions for clinical skills that you feel you need to revisit/strengthen in.
During placement blocks my timetable looks very different. I am doing 12.5-hour shifts within hospital settings or community settings, where you will gain real life experience caring for mothers and infants.
What were your expectations when you started your course? Are they much different than what you thought? Which part of being a student midwife do you think you’d enjoy most?
Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
Thanks this is so helpful as someone who is currently applying for midwifery!
Reply 7
Original post
by Kingston TrenyceHi @Studentmidwifem it's completely normal to feel nervous.
You will find your rhythm as you navigate placement as a whole Tips I would give
Good mentors love questions, it shows you are interested and it will help with your understanding, be as proactive as possible you are first year so take it step by step but at the very least be keen to observe and try skills, look after yourself try not to neglect your social life, placement can become consuming emotionally and mentally.
Things I would advise you to take to placement would be:
All the best
Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
You will find your rhythm as you navigate placement as a whole Tips I would give
Good mentors love questions, it shows you are interested and it will help with your understanding, be as proactive as possible you are first year so take it step by step but at the very least be keen to observe and try skills, look after yourself try not to neglect your social life, placement can become consuming emotionally and mentally.
Things I would advise you to take to placement would be:
•
Pocket sized Notepad (for jotting down abbreviations, procedures, information you need for your Epad + LOTS of pens (you are more than likely to loose pens so just have extras)
•
Fob watch
•
comfortable shoes I would recommend sketchers, they're very comfortable
•
Water bottle, staying hydrated makes a huge difference
Trenyce (Kingston Rep)
Original post
by arielgomaHi! I'm applying to be a student midwife, and I'm really anxious about my personal statement and interviews. Would you be willing to give my statement a read and share any interview tips? I'd be super grateful!
Don't share your PS online with anyone. You run the risk of it being copied and then you could get a high plagiarism score. You could try TSR's confidential PS review service here:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4237154
There is a good thread on interview tips here:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7418316
Reply 9
Original post
by normawDon't share your PS online with anyone. You run the risk of it being copied and then you could get a high plagiarism score. You could try TSR's confidential PS review service here:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4237154
There is a good thread on interview tips here:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7418316
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4237154
There is a good thread on interview tips here:
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7418316
Reply 10
Do any of you guys struggle with handling research data? Whether it’s cleaning the data, running statistical analysis, writing the report?
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