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Walking in my shoes... student
This resource was written from the perspective of a midwifery student. If you are supporting student midwives or are a student midwife in a clinical placement you may find this resource useful.
This resource is also applicable to student nurses, AHPs and other health care students who complete clinical placements.
Midwifery student before their first day on placement:
I am so excited to be on placement in your area, I have such a passion for midwifery. You have helped inspire me to become a midwife. You are all already a mentor to me, a role model and someone that I look up to and aspire to be. You are already living and breathing the career I would like.
But there are some things I would like to share about how I am feeling...
I’ve never been in a hospital setting before, I have never seen a mother giving birth, I’ve never met or handled a patient before. I am still trying to wrap my head around the language of midwifery and everything which embodies being a midwife. It is exciting, but I am nervous.
I need a safety net. I need guidance, reassurance and need to know that if I stumble someone will be there to get me on my feet again.
I am still developing my resilience and learning emotional intelligence. Seeing those I care for, or their loves ones, parents or children cry is still difficult for me, it really helps if you take the time to talk to me after these experiences. I appreciate any and all feedback.
I am all ears, I really feel valued and understood as a student when I am told to go speak to people, or shadow someone to learn something new.
I may be new, but I have the same desire to help. I want to lead, and I want to make great changes for the future.