A reflection on my placements throughout my degree

Ream shares her thoughts on how she felt and what she learned as a student studying to be a midwife, and shared tips for a midwifery placement.

My first day on midwifery placement

When starting placement, I was initially put on the antenatal clinic but that got cancelled due to Covid-19. So, then I was put on labour ward, and I still remember my first day. I remember feeling very lost as I have never worked at a hospital or in any healthcare setting before, but I remember everyone being so sweet. The midwives on the ward approached me and helped me look for the midwife I was working with on the day. During the day, my supervisor would check up on me to make sure I was doing alright. On my first day I also witnessed my first 2 births, and it was beautiful. I didn’t realise how two women can have such different experiences which made me realise no two days or birth experiences are the same. Everyone’s different and that’s the beauty of what you will learn from being on this course.

Second year studying a midwifery degree

I definitely found my second year the hardest as we had to learn about complexities, how to handle emergencies and the right professionals to refer to. However, it was also a lot of fun as I got the chance to do some shifts in the gynaecology outpatient ward, neonatal unit and Gosfield ward. These were all in Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford. During the end of your second year, you also get the chance to do you elective placement anywhere you like, whether that’s in a different trust or country!

I did not gain my confidence until the end of my second year so don’t worry if you feel like you won’t ever get there. Confidence comes with experience so the more you put yourself out there and ask questions, the more you learn!

My advice for your midwifery placement

I am very much enjoying my third year now as I get to put my knowledge from year 1 and 2 into practice. Everything feels like it’s slowly coming together and making more sense now.

A few tips and tricks when on placement:

• Briefly read about the ward you will be working on and what things to do to prepare
• Look through PAD/MORA before starting each shift so you know what you need to complete that day
• A water bottle/flask (I have 2; one for cold water and another for coffee ;))
• Sweets in your pocket (probably not healthy but kept me going until my break if I got hungry)
• Have breakfast before arriving as it’s not sure what time you will get your break!!
• Snacks in bag like a breakfast bar
• Many pens in your pocket, in case one runs out, you lose another, or someone takes your third pen by accident :)
• A small note pad that can fit in your pocket to write things in
• An NHS fleece or hoodie to keep you warm when it gets cold!

Being in my final year now I feel very grateful and proud of myself for having come this far in my course. Studying midwifery is challenging but I’m still standing and so will you!

Ream studies BSc (Hons) Midwifery at ARU. If you're interested in studying Midwifery, or other courses, come along to an Open Day to find out more about studying with us.